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UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
X Annual Report Under Section 13 or 15(d) of The Securities Exchange Act
-
of 1934 (Fee Required) for the Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2000
- Transition Report Under Section 13 or 15(d) of The Securities Exchange
Act of 1934 (No Fee Required) for the Transition Period from ________
to ________
Commission file number 0-26362
ADVANCED NUTRACEUTICALS, INC.
-----------------------------
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
Texas 76-0642336
----- ----------
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
incorporation or organization)
9101 Jameel
Houston, Texas 77040
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(Address of principal executive office) (Zip Code)
Issuer's telephone number, including area code: (713) 460-1976
Advanced Nutraceuticals, Inc. is the successor issuer to
Nutrition For Life International, Inc.
Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Name of each Exchange
Title of each Class on Which Registered
------------------- -------------------
None None
Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
$.01 par value common stock
---------------------------
(Title of Class)
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act during the
preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required
to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for
the past 90 days. Yes [X] No [_]
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405
of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the
best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this
Form 10-K. [_]
The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the
Registrant on January 10, 2001 was $2,247,000.
The number of shares outstanding of the Registrant's common stock on January 10,
2001 was 8,019,865.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Part III of this Form 10-K is incorporated by reference to the Registrant's
definitive proxy statement, which is expected to be filed within 120 days of the
end of the Registrant's fiscal year, ended September 30, 2000.
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DISCLOSURE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
The Company is including the following cautionary statement in this Annual
Report on Form 10-K to make applicable and take advantage of the safe harbor
provision of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 for any
forward looking statements made by, or on behalf of the Company. Forward looking
statements include statements concerning plans, objectives, goals strategies,
future events or performance and underlying assumptions and other statements
which are other than statements of historical facts. Certain statements
contained herein are forward looking statements and, accordingly, involve risks
and uncertainties which could cause actual results or outcomes to differ
materially from those expressed in the forward looking statements. The Company's
expectations, beliefs and projections are expressed in good faith and are
believed by the Company to have a reasonable basis, including without
limitation, management's examination of historical operating trends, data
contained in the Company's records and other data available from third parties,
but there can be no assurance that management's expectation, beliefs or
projections will result or be achieved or accomplished. Actual events or results
may differ materially as a result of risks facing the Company. Such risks
include, but are not limited to, changes in business conditions, changes in
distributor composition and the network marketing industry, the general economy,
competition, changes in product offerings, international operations, as well as
regulatory developments that could cause actual results to vary materially from
the future anticipated results indicated, expressed or implied, in such forward-
looking statements. The Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-
looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof.
PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
Advanced Nutraceuticals, Inc. ("ANI" or the "Company") was organized in
March 2000 to be the holding company for Nutrition For Life International, Inc.
("NFLI") and NFLI's subsidiaries. NFLI has been engaged in the sale of
nutritional supplements and other consumer products through a network marketing
system since 1983. In late 1999, the Company acquired Bactolac Pharmaceutical
Inc. ("Bactolac") and ASH Corp. ("ASHCO"), manufacturers of nutraceutical and
pharmaceutical products. The Company adopted the holding company structure to
better reflect the diversification of its operations and to improve its
organizational structure for its acquisition program.
On December 29, 2000, ANI entered into a definitive agreement to sell NFLI.
Closing of the sale is subject to approval of the Company's shareholders and
senior lender, as well as customary closing conditions. As a result of the
pending sale, the network marketing operations of NFLI are treated as
discontinued operations in the Company's financial statements. Assuming the
completion of the sale, the Company's business operations will consist of the
manufacture of nutraceutical and pharmaceutical products by Bactolac and ASHCO.
Bactolac is engaged in the formulation, manufacturing and packaging of
encapsulated and compressed tablets and powder blended vitamins and related
nutritional supplements. ASHCO, which is operated as a division of Bactolac, is
engaged primarily in the contract manufacture of liquid and powder
pharmaceutical products. Bactolac and ASHCO provide private label contract and
over-the-counter manufacturing services to various companies engaged in the
marketing and distribution of vitamins, mineral supplements, herbs and other
health and nutrition consumer products and over-the-counter drugs.
The Company's near term strategy is to strengthen its financial position
and to expand and diversify its revenue base. The Company believes it can
successfully implement this strategy by completion of the sale of NFLI, improved
management of its working capital assets, and aggressive efforts to obtain new
customers by emphasizing its cost effective and high quality manufacturing
operations.
The Company's long-term strategy, which commenced with its acquisitions of
Bactolac and ASHCO, is to pursue strategic acquisition opportunities in the
manufacturing and distribution segments of the nutritional and pharmaceutical
industries. Due to the operating losses of NFLI, management of the Company
determined that for the near term, it would not be feasible to attempt to
acquire additional companies. With the pending sale of NFLI, the Company
anticipates refocusing on select acquisition candidates.
MANUFACTURING OPERATIONS
Products and Manufacturing
The Company has significant internal manufacturing competencies in the
following distinct areas: over the counter liquids and powder manufacturing,
bottling and packaging; powder blending, filling; and capsule and tablet
manufacturing, filling and packaging. The Company currently manufactures its
products in two facilities. In September 2000, the Company commenced relocation
to a state-of-the-art facility that more than doubled the Company's previous
capacity for manufacturing capsules and tablets. The facility is
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located in Hauppauge, New York. The Company also operates an over the counter
liquids production facility located in Gulfport, Mississippi. The Company is
continuously upgrading its facilities and enhancing its manufacturing
capabilities through new equipment purchases.
The Company manufactures at its Hauppauge facility a comprehensive
assortment of vitamin, mineral and nutritional supplement products, which
include vitamins C and E, beta carotene, magnesium, folic acid, calcium and
potassium, as well as various herbs such as Echinacea, St. John's Wort, Ginko
Biloba, Saw Palmetto and Ginseng and various multivitamin combinations. The
Company has the capacity to produce millions of tablets per day using
technologically advanced high-speed manufacturing equipment. The Company is in
the process of developing fully automated packaging lines. At its Gulfport
facility, the Company manufactures liquids, tablet, powders, and over the
counter drugs. Examples of the products that it produces include liquid
antacids, cough and cold syrups and elixirs, acetaminophen elixirs, baby
powders, medicated powders. antifungal powders and other consumer products.
The Company is committed to providing high quality products. The Company's
facilities are designed to meet USP compliance standards. The Company's quality
management systems are detailed and rigorous, and include analytical processes
and procedures. The quality management systems also include well equipped and
professionally staffed analytical laboratories to assure raw material acceptance
as well as in-process and finished product evaluation for compliance to
specification. The Company's OTC pharmaceutical products are also subject to
shelf life stability testing through which the Company determines the effects of
aging on its products. The Company's product retention program allows the
Company the ability to maintain samples from each product batch shipped and,
when appropriate, to analyze such samples for product quality.
The Company focuses on maximizing buying power through volume leverage with
a smaller select supplier base. As a result of this effort, material supply
savings have been achieved. In addition, key supply relationships have been
established with raw material and packaging suppliers who bring significant
financial, technical, quality and service resources to the Company
The Company believes its current manufacturing facilities and efficiencies,
as well as, laboratory and quality control capabilities, are a major factor in
customer relationships. The standards for formulating, manufacturing and
labeling nutritional and pharmaceutical products should, in the opinion of
management, assist the Company in serving its present and future customers and,
ultimately, the consumer.
Customers and Markets
The Company manufactures a broad range of products and uses a variety of
methods to market and sell its products and services; these include word of
mouth, management and sales personnel, contract sales representatives,
referrals, trade show participation, trade journal advertising and press
publicity as well as reliance on name recognition and reputation in the
industry.
During the first quarter of the new fiscal year, the Company has
concentrated on increasing its customer base through expanded marketing and
sales efforts. The Company has engaged independent sales agents with established
customer relationships and has developed marketing materials in addition to
commencing attendance at trade shows. As a result of these activities the
Company has entered into negotiations and talks with several new potential
customers.
In the fourth quarter ended September 30,2000, Bayer Corporation informed
the Company that it decided to internally produce most of the products
produced at ASHCO's facility by the Company for Bayer. Bayer accounted for 31%
of the Company's consolidated sales for the fiscal year ended September 30,2000
(from continuing operations) while generating 15% of the Company's consolidated
gross profit. ASHCO has expanded its marketing efforts by engaging independent
sales agents with established customer relationships and expanding sales
opportunities with customers other than Bayer. In addition, ASHCO has initiated
a cost containment program aimed at reducing its expenses at its Gulfport
facility.
Research and Development
The primary areas of the Company's research and development activities are
assisting customers in the development of new products and enhancement of
existing products. Such assistance is normally in the form of product component
identification and formulation, as well as product and packaging trends. In
addition, as part of its quality control procedures the Company produces pilot
or sample runs of product formulation prototypes to ensure stability and/or
efficacy and to determine ingredient interaction. The Company has implemented
quality control procedures to verify that all products comply with established
specifications and standards in compliance with both USP and Good Manufacturing
Practices promulgated by the Food and Drug Administration. Research of this type
is a part of the operating expenses incurred by the Company, and the associated
costs of research and development activities have not been significant to date.
Sources and Availability of Raw Materials
Raw materials used in the Company's products consist of nutrient powders,
excipients, empty gelatin capsules, and necessary components for packaging and
distribution of finished vitamin and nutritional supplement products. The
nutrient powders and the empty gelatin capsules are purchased from manufacturers
in the United States, and foreign countries. Pharmaceutical ingredients used in
3
products manufactured by the ASHCO division are purchased from reliable sources
in the United States. All materials procured by the Company undergo quality
control review to ensure conformance to product specification prior to
acceptance and release into materials inventory. To date, the Company has not
experienced any difficulty in obtaining adequate sources of supply. Although
there can be no assurance that the Company will continue to be able to obtain
adequate sources in the future, the Company believes that it will be able to do
so.
Competition
The Company's products are sold primarily in domestic as well as limited
foreign markets in competition with other private label manufacturing and
marketing companies. The vitamin, nutritional supplement and over-the-counter
pharmaceutical industry is highly competitive, and competition continues to
increase. Competition for the sale of products comes from many sources,
including companies which sell pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals to
supermarkets, large chain discount retailers, drug store chains and independent
drug stores, health food stores, pharmaceutical companies and others who sell to
wholesalers, as well as mail order vendors, eCommerce and network marketing
companies. The Company does not believe it is possible to accurately estimate
the number or size of its many competitors as the vitamin industry is largely
privately held and highly fragmented.
The Company believes the industry continues to see significant
consolidation as merger and acquisition activity was reported to total over $4
billion in transactions during the first half of calendar 2000. Many industry
experts expect this activity to continue for the foreseeable future in food and
nutrition companies, multilevel marketing organizations and eCommerce internet
firms.
The Company believes competition among manufacturers of over-the-counter
pharmaceuticals, vitamin and supplement products is based, among other things,
on price, timely delivery, product quality and consistency, safety,
availability, product innovation, marketing assistance and customer service. The
competitive position of the Company will likely depend upon continued acceptance
of its products, its ability to attract and retain qualified personnel, future
governmental regulations affecting the Company's products as well as the
publication of vitamin product safety and efficacy studies by the government and
authoritative health and medical authorities.
Based on industry data, the botanicals and supplements industry experienced
a 30% sales growth in calendar year 1998, while 1999 experienced a decelerating
growth rate of 7.8%. Intense competition among industry members during the same
period narrowed overall operating margins from 9.7% to 4.3%. The industry is
believed to be moving into a mature stage where greater price pressure and
modest market expansion will continue to increase competition.
The Company's operations are subject to the risks normally associated with
manufacturing vitamins, nutritional and pharmaceutical products, including
shortage of certain raw materials.
Employees
At September 30, 2000, the Company employed 113 full time employees in its
continuing operations, with 3 employed in holding company executive management
while the remaining employees are engaged in management and sales, quality
control, production and administration. At September 30, 2000, NFLI employed 145
persons; 115 of whom are employed in the U.S. The majority of NFLI's employees
are office, clerical and warehouse employees.
The Company has never experienced a work stoppage, and none of its
employees are currently represented by a union or any other form of collective
bargaining unit. The Company believes its relations with its employees are good.
Government Regulation
The formulation, manufacturing, packaging, labeling, advertising and
distribution of the Company's products are subject to regulation by one or more
federal agencies, including the United States Food and Drug Administration
("FDA"), the Federal Trade Commission ("FTC"), the Consumer Product Safety
Commission ("CPSC"), the United States Department of Agriculture ("DOA") and the
Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA"). These activities are also regulated by
various agencies of the states and localities in which the Company's products
are sold, including without limitation the California Department of Health
Services, Food and Drug branch. The FDA in and FTC particular regulate the
advertising, labeling and sales of vitamin and mineral supplements and may take
regulatory action concerning medical claims, misleading or untruthful
advertising, and product safety issues. These regulations include the FDA's Good
Manufacturing Practices ("GMP") for foods. Detailed dietary supplement GMPs have
been proposed but no regulations have been adopted. Additional dietary
supplement regulations were adopted by the FDA pursuant to the implementation of
the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 ("DSHEA").
The Company may be subject, from time to time, to additional laws or
regulations administered by the FDA or other Federal, State or foreign
regulatory authorities, or to revised interpretations of current laws or
regulations. The Company is unable to predict the nature of such future laws,
regulations, interpretations or applications, nor can it predict what effect
additional governmental
4
regulations or administrative orders, when and if promulgated, would have on its
business in the future. They could, however, require the Company to: reformulate
certain products to meet new standards; recall or discontinue certain products
not able to be reformulated; expand documentation of the properties of certain
products; expand or provide different labeling and scientific substantiation;
or, impose additional record keeping requirements. Any or all such requirements
could have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations and
financial position.
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS- NFLI
On December 29, 2000, the Company signed a definitive agreement to sell
Nutrition For Life International, Inc. ("NFLI") to Everest International, L.L.C.
("Everest"). The agreement provides for $5 million in cash at closing subject to
a working capital adjustment and a $5 million note, payable based on a ten-year
amortization with quarterly payments for three years and a final balloon payment
at the end of the third year. In addition, Bactolac will enter into a product
supply agreement with NFLI and will receive a $650,000 note due in one year and
a day from closing, relating to inter-company debt. The purchase price may also
be increased up to an additional $750,000, depending upon future operating
results of NFLI's Japanese operation. The transaction is subject to approval by
the Company's stockholders and its senior lender and customary closing
conditions.
As the Company's Board of Directors approved the sale of NFLI, the
Company's consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto have been
restated to present the operations of NFLI as discontinued operations. For
further discussion see Notes 3 and 4 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements in Item 8 herein.
Distribution and Marketing
NFLI develops products that are designed for health-conscious consumers,
and sells those products to consumers through its network of independent
distributors. Distributors are independent contractors who purchase products
directly from NFLI for their own use and for resale to retail consumers.
Distributors may elect to work on a full-time or part-time basis. Distributors'
revenues are derived from several sources. First, distributors may receive
revenues by purchasing NFLI's products at wholesale prices and selling those
products to customers at retail prices. Second, distributors earn the right to
receive commissions upon attaining the level of "executive." Executive level
distributors may earn commissions on product purchases by other distributors in
their downline organization.
In July 1996 NFLI entered into an Administrative and Consulting Services
Agreement (the "1996 Agreement") with Distributor Services, L.L.C. ("DS"). DS is
an affiliate of Nightingale-Conant ("NC"), at the time a major supplier of self
improvement materials to NFLI. The 1996 Agreement provided that, except to the
extent NFLI produced its own material in-house, DS had the exclusive right to
produce and sell all of NFLI's recruiting and training material. Such materials
were to be produced and marketed at the expense of DS and DS was entitled to all
revenues received from the sales of such materials. DS was also granted the
exclusive right to produce, organize and sell, at its own expense, admission to
all Company sponsored recruiting or promotional events and to receive all
revenues therefrom. NFLI purchased product and services in the aggregate of
approximately $350,000, $607,000 and $4,387,000 from DS and NC in the years
ended September 30, 2000, 1999 and 1998, respectively. Kevin Trudeau, formerly a
key distributor of NFLI, was principally responsible for DS's performance in
connection with the 1996 Agreement.
In August 1998, NFLI and Kevin Trudeau entered into an agreement regarding
the termination of Mr. Trudeau's distributorship and in October 1998, NFLI, DS
and NC entered into a severance agreement terminating the 1996 Agreement. NFLI
is now internally providing the services previously performed by DS. NFLI now
produces, organizes and, when appropriate, sells admission to its recruiting and
promotional events and retains all such revenue. Additionally, existing in-house
staff, facilities and certain executive distributors are being utilized to
produce NFLI's recruiting and training materials, including its monthly Business
Training System.
NFLI provides a program, Order Assurance Program, whereby distributors may
enroll in a minimum ordering program in order to enhance their eligibility for
commissions. Minimum orders ranging from $41 to $301 per month are automatically
placed by credit card or check. Differing amounts for the optional Order
Assurance Program ("OAP") exist to allow generation of sales volume at various
levels that generally correspond to commission and bonus qualification levels,
i.e., $100 is the minimum sales volume to remain an active executive; $100 is
the minimum sales volume qualification level for the car bonus program; $160 is
the minimum sales volume to be eligible for gold executive; $300 is the minimum
sales volume requirement to be a platinum executive; and $300 is the minimum
sales volume qualification level for the house payment program. Therefore, the
OAP promotes sales for NFLI and the distributors participating in bonus
programs. The OAP was initiated in fiscal 1993. The OAP is voluntary and no
restrictions are placed upon any participant's ability to exit the OAP. As of
September 30, 2000, 1999, and 1998, respectively, there were approximately
23,703, 29,000, and 35,000 distributors enrolled in the OAP.
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Prior to June 1, 1999 NFLI sold product redemption certificates to
distributors who were enrolled in NFLI's OAP. Revenues were recorded when these
certificates were redeemed for product. However, if the certificates were not
redeemed for product, NFLI recorded revenues ratably over a 150-day period
commencing with the ending of the expiration period of 120 days.
Subsequent to June 1, 1999 NFLI began shipping product packs for most OAP
purchases, the shipment of which results in the recognition of revenue. NFLI now
only sells product redemption certificates for certain "big ticket" items. Such
certificates must be redeemed for the specified item upon accumulation of the
required number of certificates.
Markets
The following chart sets forth the countries in which NFLI currently
operates, the year operations were commenced in each country, and historical
sales information by country during the periods indicated.
Year Ended September 30
-----------------------
(in Thousands)
Country Year Entered 2000 1999 1998
------- ------------ ------- ------- -------
United States 1984 $42,800 $57,900 $60,400
Canada 1993 3,600 3,100 4,800
Puerto Rico 1994 -- 100 200
Europe 1996 4,200 4,700 3,500
Philippines 1993 600 800 700
Japan 1999 2,000 -- --
The uncertain Asian economic situation has had a negative impact on NFLI's
operations in the Philippines. The exchange rate between the Philippine peso and
the US dollar has declined from approximately 28 to 1 at the formation of that
subsidiary to approximately 41 to 1 as of September 30, 1999. NFLI has realized
exchange rate gains (losses) of approximately $ (146,000), $72,500, and
$(212,000) for the years ended September 30, 2000, 1999 and 1998, respectively,
in the Philippines. NFLI sold the operations in the Philippines effective
September 1, 2000, resulting in an immaterial loss on the sale transaction.
Products
NFLI markets and distributes an extensive product line of approximately 500
items in nine different categories: (1) vitamins, minerals and antioxidants; (2)
Nutique personal care items; (3) food and weight management items; (4) herbal
formulas; (5) homeopathic and special formulas; (6) cleaning concentrates; (7)
filtration systems; (8) self-improvement programs; and (9) services. The line
consists of primarily consumable products that are designed to target the
growing consumer interest in natural health alternatives for nutrition and
personal care. In developing its product line, NFLI has emphasized quality,
purity, potency, and safety.
Vitamins and minerals and antioxidants. NFLI markets 44 vitamin and mineral
products that are offered in a variety of combinations including NFLI's
proprietary Grand Master(R), Master-Key-Plus(R), and OraFlow Plus(R)
formulations.
JaNique. NFLI markets a high-quality cosmetics offering providing the
latest American and European technologies. The line consists of foundations, eye
shadows, blushes, lipstick, powders, mascaras, lip and eye pencils and specialty
color items.
Nutique personal care items. NFLI markets 42 Nutique hair and skin care
products including skin care formulas for men and women, shampoo and
conditioner, hand and body lotions, sunscreen, an alphahydroxy acid skin
rejuvenating complex, and a thigh creme. Each of these products contains
ingredients that are formulated to promote healthier looking skin and hair.
Food and weight management items. NFLI markets 84 food and weight
management products. These include a whey beverage in five flavors, the Nutri-
Mac line of pastas, the Nutri-Blend flour and baking mixes, instant food shakes,
fiber products, the Nutri-Cookie(R), and Lean Life(R), a herbal weight
management formulation, and a line called Heartful Gourmets(R), which are soy-
based meals and snacks.
Herbal formulas. NFLI's 33 herb and herbal formulation products are
produced using only natural ingredients and are precisely measured and carefully
processed into a convenient tablet or capsule form. The line consists of many
traditionally popular herbs such as alfalfa, ginkgo biloba, garlic, Cat's Claw,
and St. John's Wort, as well as special blends developed by NFLI.
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Homeopathic and special formulas. Homeopathic remedies, when prepared in
minute amounts, mimic disease symptoms and stimulate the body's defense systems.
NFLI offers 76 homeopathic remedies that have been formulated in accordance with
the Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia of the United States. In addition, NFLI markets a
variety of other special formula products including shark cartilage liquid and
capsules, pain relief formulations, cough syrup, digestive aids, sports
massaging gel, a special formula dentifrice and special phytochemical products.
Cleaning concentrates. NFLI markets household cleaning products that are
non-volatile and biodegradable. There are 29 products, including a liquid hand
and body soap, dishwasher concentrate, laundry concentrates, laundry softener, a
heavy duty cleaner-degreaser, and a pine disinfectant, and a line of anti-
microbial and anti-viral disinfectants.
Filtration systems. NFLI markets 17 products designed to test or improve
the quality of air and water, including electrostatic air filters and water
filtration systems.
Self improvement programs. NFLI markets a number of motivational and self
improvement tapes and other products. NFLI internally produces such tapes to
supplement tapes available from third party suppliers.
Services. Two services are currently being offered to distributors and
customers: LIFEdial 1 Plus and Body Check. LIFEdial 1 Plus is a discounted long
distance package. Distributors may sign-up for the service and sell it to
customers. Body Check is a hair analysis which tests the level of 21 elements
normally found in the body. The resulting report also includes information
regarding exposure to toxic substances. The Body Check report can then be used
to make recommendations for the individual's specific nutritional supplements.
During the last three fiscal years, no single product has accounted for 10
percent or more of NFLI's revenue. NFLI continually seeks to identify, develop
and introduce innovative, effective and safe products. During the fiscal years
ended September 30, 2000, 1999, and 1998, the approximate number of new products
and services introduced by NFLI was 88, 36, and 16, respectively. Management
believes that its ability to introduce new products increases its distributors'
visibility and competitiveness in the marketplace.
NFLI maintains significant amounts of products in its inventory to meet
rapid delivery requirements of customers and to minimize product back orders,
which historically have not been significant. Due to the nature of NFLI's
business, NFLI typically does not carry a substantial backlog of orders.
Consumer Product Warranties and Returns
NFLI's product warranties and policy regarding returns of products are
similar to those of other companies in the industry. If a retail purchaser of
any of NFLI's products is not satisfied with the product, he may return it to
the distributor from whom he purchased it at any time within 30 days of his
purchase. The distributor is required to refund the purchase price to the retail
purchaser. The distributor may then return the unused portion of the product to
NFLI for an exchange of equal value. The manufacturers of those products warrant
most products against defect. Most products returned to NFLI, however, are not
found to be defective in manufacture. As a result, NFLI at its cost replaces
most products returned to NFLI.
Management Information System
NFLI completed the installation of SAP(R), an enterprise wide state-of-the-
market computer information system during 1998. The total cost, including
implementation and training, was approximately $3,000,000. NFLI has entered into
a lease arrangement for a portion of this system. Currently, NFLI has elected to
maintain the current SAP software installation at NFLI and not upgrade to a
newer version. NFLI is evaluating its options regarding maintenance and support
agreements covering the system.
Manufacturing and Supplies
During the past three fiscal years NFLI purchased all of its vitamins,
nutritional supplements and all other products from third parties that
manufacture such products to NFLI's specifications and standards.
In July 1998, NFLI entered into an agreement with VitaRich Laboratories,
Inc. ("VitaRich") in which NFLI agreed to advance VitaRich up to $800,000 to
secure the purchase of a sufficient quantity of certain nutritional supplement
raw materials to meet NFLI's anticipated need for rapid delivery of product and
to obtain such product at discounted prices. The agreement is for three years
and requires that NFLI provide VitaRich with periodic estimates of anticipated
needs, as well as actual use rates of the requested product.
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NFLI made an initial deposit of $400,000 to VitaRich and has agreed that it
will maintain a deposit in the amount of 40% of its outstanding purchase orders
with VitaRich. VitaRich is required to use the deposit for the purchase of raw
material and the processing of finished product in sufficient kinds and
quantifies to enable NFLI to (i) meet its anticipated need for the product, (ii)
maximize the costs savings to VitaRich and provide NFLI with reduced prices
through the purchase of bulk quantities of raw materials, and (iii) enable
VitaRich to meet NFLI's rapid delivery requirements.
Unless the agreement is terminated before its expiration, NFLI is not
required to make additional deposits beyond the third year. Additionally,
VitaRich is required to repay any outstanding deposits by crediting NFLI with an
amount equal to 10% of each purchase order placed by NFLI until such time as all
advances have been repaid. NFLI has a first priority security interest in all of
VitaRich's interest in the inventory, warehouse receipts, documents of title,
accounts receivable and proceeds of insurance related to the raw materials
purchased by VitaRich on behalf of NFLI. As of September 30, 2000, the
outstanding advance to VitaRich was $262,859.
NFLI does not have long term supply agreements with any vendor other than
VitaRich. Although NFLI believes that it could establish alternate sources for
most of its products, any delay in locating and establishing relationships with
new sources could result in product shortages and back orders for the products,
with a resulting loss of revenues to NFLI. In addition, such delays could
interrupt growth of product sales and distributor recruitment.
Trademarks and Service Marks
Most products are packaged under NFLI's "private label". NFLI has
registered trademarks with the United States Patent and Trademark Office for its
Master Key Plus(R), Oraflow Plus(R), LeanLife(R), Nutri-Cookie(R), Requin 3(R),
Grand Master(R), Phytonol(R), BioWater(R), E-Lemonator(R), Phytogreen(R),
BioGlow(R), BioRub(R), Whey-To-Go(R), Heartful Gourmets(R), Lifedial Plus(R),
Arthro Support Tri-Pack(R), Enviro Defense System(R), NutriBuddies(R), ,and
Nutrition For Life(R). It has applied for trademark registration for its
Snoreless(TM), ItchBuster(TM), Healthy Chocolates(TM), Soy B-Nuts(TM),
JaNails(TM), Kholesterol-Blocker(TM), Healthy Start(TM), O2 Support(TM),
Ki.Sweet(TM), Immune Support(TM), and PyruBalance(TM).
Competition
NFLI competes with many companies marketing products similar to those it
sells and markets. It also competes intensely with other network marketing
companies in the recruitment of distributors. NFLI's ability to remain
competitive depends, in significant part, on its success in recruiting and
retaining distributors. There can be no assurance that NFLI's programs for
recruitment and retention of distributors will be successful in the future.
There are many network marketing companies with which NFLI competes for
distributors. Some of the largest of these are Amway, Nature's Sunshine, Inc.,
Herbalife International, Inc., and Rexall Sundown, Inc. Each of these companies
is substantially larger than NFLI and has significantly greater resources. NFLI
competes for distributors by means of its marketing program that includes its
commission structure, training and support services, and other benefits.
Not all competitors market all types of products marketed by NFLI, and some
competitors market products and services in addition to those marketed by NFLI.
For example, some competitors are known for and are identified with sales of
herbal formulations, some are known for and are identified with sales of
household cleaning and personal care products, and others are known for and are
identified with sales of nutritional and dietary supplements. NFLI's principal
methods of competition for the sale of products are its responsiveness to
changes in consumer preferences and its commitment to quality, purity, and
safety.
Government Regulation
The manufacturing, processing, formulation, packaging, labeling and
advertising of NFLI's products are subject to regulation by federal agencies,
including the Food and Drug Administration (the "FDA"), the Federal Trade
Commission, the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the United States Department
of Agriculture, the United States Postal Service and the United States
Environmental Protection Agency. These activities are also subject to regulation
by various agencies of the states and localities in which NFLI's products are
sold.
In November 1991, the FDA issued proposed regulations designed to, among
other things, amend its food labeling regulations. The proposed regulations met
with substantial opposition. In October 1994, the "Dietary Supplement Health and
Education Act of 1994" (the "Dietary Supplement Law") was enacted. Section 11 of
the Dietary Supplement Law provided that the advance notice of proposed rule
making by the FDA concerning dietary supplements was null and void. FDA
regulations that became effective on June 1, 1994 would require standard format
nutrition labeling on dietary supplements.
8
The Dietary Supplement Law broadly regulates nutritional labeling
requirements for dietary supplements. The final regulations were published
September 23, 1997. Provisions relating to notification to FDA of product label
claims considered "Statements of Nutritional Support" and provisions relating to
new dietary ingredients became effective October 23, 1997. Regulations
specifying product label content became effective March 23, 1999. More detailed
regulations regarding claim language became effective January 7, 2001.
The Dietary Supplement Law provides for regulation of Statements of
Nutritional Support ("Statements"). These Statements may be made if they are
truthful and not misleading and if "adequate" substantiation for the claims is
available. Statements can describe claims of enhanced well-being from use of the
dietary supplement or product statements that relate to affecting a structure or
function of the body. However, Statements cannot claim to diagnose, treat, cure,
or prevent any disease, regardless of the possible existence of scientific
reports substantiating such claims.
Statements appearing in dietary supplement labeling must be accompanied by
a disclaimer stating that the FDA has not evaluated the Statements. Notification
to the FDA of these Statements is not considered approval of the Statements of
products. If the FDA determines in possible future proceedings that dietary
supplement Statements fail to met the requirements of the Dietary Supplement
Law., a product may be subject to regulation as a drug. The FDA retains all
enforcement means available to it (i.e. seizure, civil or criminal penalties,
etc.), when investigating or enforcing labeling claims.
The Dietary Supplement Law also provided for the formation of a
Presidential Commission on Dietary Supplement Labels, requiring it to consider
and comment upon informational dietary supplement issues. The Commission issued
its non-binding final report on November 24, 1997. The report's findings are
similar, yet distinct from, the regulations enacted by the Dietary Supplement
Law. The report addressed a broad range of issues, including the need for
increased consumer education of dietary supplement products and increased
responsibility on the part of manufacturers and distributors regarding the
safety of dietary supplement products. NFLI cannot determine what effect the
report will have on its business in the future, or whether the report will lead
to any additional legislative or regulatory intervention.
The FDA also regulates the formulation and manufacture of dietary
supplements distributed by NFLI. In February 1997 the FDA published proposed
regulations for the manufacture of dietary supplements. These regulations, if
finalized would require at least some of the quality control provisions related
to drugs to be applied to nutritional supplements. NFLI believes that it
complies with good manufacturing practices for foods, as currently required by
the FDA.
The Federal Trade Commission ("FTC") regulates advertising of NFLI's
nutritional and dietary supplement products, cosmetics and over-the-counter
drugs. The Federal Trade Commission Act prohibits unfair or deceptive trade
practices and false or misleading advertising. The FTC has recently been very
active in its enforcement of advertising against manufacturers and distributors
of nutritional dietary supplements having instituted several enforcement actions
resulting in signed agreements and payment of large fines. Although NFLI has not
been the target of a FTC investigation, there can be no assurance that the FTC
will not investigate NFLI's advertising in the future.
On November 18, 1998, the FTC issued it's "Dietary Supplements: An
Advertising Guide for Industry". Such guide provides an application of FTC law
to dietary supplement advertising and includes examples of how principles of
advertisement interpretation and substantiation apply in the context of dietary
supplement advertising. The guide provides additional explanation but does not
substantially change the FTC's existing policy that all supplement marketers
have an obligation to ensure that claims are presented truthfully and to specify
the adequacy of the support behind such claims.
NFLI is unable to predict the nature of any future laws, regulations,
interpretations, or applications, nor can it predict what effect additional
governmental regulations or administrative orders, when and if promulgated,
would have on its business in the future. They could, however, require the
reformulation of certain products not possible to be reformulated, imposition of
additional record keeping requirements, expanded documentation of the properties
of certain products, expanded or different labeling and scientific
substantiation regarding product ingredients, safety or usefulness. Any or all
such requirements could have a material adverse effect on NFLI's results of
operations and financial condition.
NFLI's network marketing system is subject to governmental laws and
regulations generally directed at ensuring that product sales are made to
consumers of the products and that compensation and advancement within the
marketing organization is based on sales of products rather than investment in
the organization. These laws and FTC regulations include the federal securities
laws, matters administered by the FTC and various state anti-pyramid and
business opportunity laws. Although NFLI believes that it is in compliance with
all such laws and regulations, NFLI remains subject to the risk that, in one or
more of its present or future markets, its marketing system or the conduct of
certain distributors could be found not to be in compliance with applicable laws
or regulations.
9
Failure by NFLI or significant distributors to comply with these laws and
regulations could have an adverse material effect on NFLI in a particular market
or in general.
NFLI's products are subject to regulation by foreign countries where they
are sold. Government regulations in foreign countries where NFLI plans to
commence or expand sales may prevent or delay entry into a market or prevent or
delay the introduction or require the reformulation or relabeling of certain of
NFLI's products.
Employees
At September 30, 2000, NFLI employed 145 persons; 115 of whom are employed
in the U.S. The majority of NFLI's employees are office, clerical and warehouse
employees. NFLI believes that its relationship with its employees is good.
RISK FACTORS
Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from
the Company's expectations are disclosed in this Report, including without
limitation in conjunction with the forward-looking statements included in this
Report, and the following risk factors.
Risks Related to the Company and its Continuing Operations
Recent Losses. The Company has incurred losses in each of the fiscal years
-------------
ended September 30, 2000, 1999 and 1998. The losses were incurred from the
operations of NFLI, which are expected to be discontinued as the result of a
pending sale. The Company experienced declines in net sales for the network
marketing business operated by NFLI during each of those years when compared to
the preceding fiscal year. In addition, the Company experienced increased costs
in each of those years. Particularly in view of the Company's increased level of
expenditures, the Company's future financial condition and operating results
could be negatively impacted if the Company is not successful in completing the
NFLI sale. The Company completed the acquisitions of Bactolac and ASHCO in late
1999. Although those operations had income before income tax expense in the
fiscal year ended September 30, 2000, because of the brief operating history,
future profitable operations cannot be predicted with certainty.
Sale of NFLI. On December 29, 2000, ANI signed a definitive agreement to
------------
sell NFLI and NFLI's subsidiaries in the network marketing business. The sales
price consists of $5,000,000 in cash, subject to a working capital adjustment at
closing, and a $5,000,000 note payable based upon a ten year amortization
schedule with quarterly payments for three years and a final balloon payment at
the end of the third year. The purchase price may also be increased up to an
additional $750,000, depending upon future operating results of NFLI's recently
established Japanese subsidiary. The note will be subordinate to the purchaser's
secured lender and will be without recourse to the purchaser. Accordingly,
collectability of the note will depend upon the success of operations of NFLI
after the closing of the sale, including NFLI's ability to service its debt with
its senior lender.
The working capital adjustment will be based upon an adjusted working
capital calculation using $1,000,000 as a base figure. If at closing the
computation yields more or less than $1,000,000, the purchase price will be
adjusted accordingly. As of November 30, 2000, such computation would have
resulted in a base amount deficit and if the sale were closed as of that date,
the $5,000,000 cash purchase price would have been decreased to approximately $
3,600,000. It is currently unknown what adjustment will be made at closing as
this will depend upon a number of factors, primarily future operations of NFLI.
If the working capital adjustment results in a significant reduction in the
purchase price, or if the future operations of NFLI are not sufficient to repay
the note, the financial position and liquidity of ANI would be adversely
affected.
Secured Lender Relationships. In connection with the acquisitions of
----------------------------
Bactolac and ASHCO, the Company entered into a credit facility, and through
Bactolac, assumed a mortgage obligation outstanding on the ASHCO facility. As of
September 30, 2000, the balances outstanding on those obligations amounted to
$6,590,082 and $1,350,053, respectively. The Company has not been in compliance
with certain covenants under the credit facility and has been granted waivers by
the lender and, in the case of the mortgage obligation, has been granted
extensions of the original due date of the loan. The Company is attempting to
amend its credit agreements and believes based on its discussion with the
lenders, that it will be successful in such efforts. If the Company's secured
lenders will not modify the agreements or continue to work with the Company in
granting waivers and extensions, until such time as the Company may be able to
modify, refinance or repay such obligations, the financial position and
liquidity of the Company would be adversely affected.
Replacement Of Principal Customer Of ASHCO. Approximately 31% of the
------------------------------------------
Company's sales from continuing operations in the fiscal year ended September
30, 2000 were made to Bayer Corporation. During the fiscal year, Bayer informed
ASHCO that, effective January 1, 2001, it intended to produce in-house products
which had been produced for it by ASHCO. ASHCO is aggressively attempting to
expand its customer base to compensate for the loss of the Bayer business and
has initiated a cost containment program. Failure to replace this substantial
customer, or the inability to substantially reduce ASHCO's operating expenses,
would have an adverse effect on the Company's business and financial condition.
10
Dependence on Key Personnel. ANI's future success depends on the continued
---------------------------
availability of certain key management personnel, including Dr. P.M. Reddy,
founder of Bactolac and Director of ANI, and Greg Pusey, Chairman, Director and
Chief Executive Officer of ANI. ANI has obtained "key man" insurance on the
life of Dr. Reddy with the benefit amount to ANI of $7,000,000. ANI's growth
and profitability also depends on its ability to attract and retain other
management personnel.
Nasdaq Listing. The Company's common stock is currently traded under the
--------------
symbol - ANII, on the Nasdaq National Market System ("NMS"). The Company's
common stock has failed to maintain a minimum market float of $5,000,000 and a
minimum bid price of $1.00 over a thirty day consecutive trading period.
Accordingly, the Company has been informed by Nasdaq that its common stock is
subject to delisting. The Company plans to appeal the delisting and request a
hearing. Should the Company's shares be delisted from NMS, and be quoted on
either the "bulletin board," or the "pink sheet" system, it could have a
negative impact on the trading activity and price of the Company's common stock
as well as the Company's ability to raise additional equity capital and/or
consummate additional acquisitions
Government Regulations. The manufacturing, processing, formulation and
----------------------
packaging of the Company's products are subject to regulation by federal, state
and foreign agencies, including the United States Food and Drug Administration
(the "FDA"), the Federal trade Commission, the Consumer Product Safe Commission,
the United States Department of Agriculture, the United States Postal Service
and the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Such agencies have a
variety of remedies and processes available to them, including initiating
investigations, issuing warning letters and cease and desist orders, requiring
corrective labels or advertising, requiring consumer redress (for example, by
requiring that a company offer to repurchase products previously sold to
consumers), seeking injunctive relief or product seizure, imposing civil
penalties, or commencing criminal prosecution.
There can be no assurance that the regulatory environment in which the Company
operates will not change or that such regulatory environment, or any specific
action taken against the Company will not result in a material adverse effect on
the Company's business, financial condition or results of operations. The
Company also cannot predict whether new legislation regulating its activities
will be enacted, which new legislation could have a material adverse effect on
its operations.
Product Liabilities. The Company, like other manufacturers and distributors
-------------------
of products that are ingested, faces an inherent risk of exposure to product
liability claims if, among other things, the use of its products results in
injury. The Company currently has product liability insurance for its
operations in amounts the Company believes are adequate for its operations.
There can be no assurance, however, that such insurance will continue to be
available at a reasonable cost, or if available, will be adequate to cover
liabilities.
Ability to Implement Business Strategy; Integration of Acquisitions. The
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Company's future results and financial condition are dependent on the successful
implementation of its business strategy. A key component of the Company's long-
term business strategy involves strategic acquisitions. With the 1999
acquisitions of ASHCO and Bactolac, the Company has expanded its operations to
include the manufacture of pharmaceutical products and nutritional supplements.
Although the Company believes that its business strategy will enable it to
improve its financial results, there can be no assurance that its strategy will
be successful, that the anticipated benefits of its strategy will be realized,
that management will be able to implement the strategy on a timely basis, that
the Company will return to profitability levels previously experienced, or that
losses will not be incurred in the future.
The success of the Company will depend, in part, on the Company's ability to
integrate the operations of the acquired companies. There can be no assurance
that the Company's management team will effectively be able to oversee the
combined entity and implement the Company's business strategy. Moreover, no
assurance can be given that the Company will be able to successfully integrate
the acquisitions of ASHCO and Bactolac or any future acquisitions without
substantial cost, delays or other problems. The cost of integration could have
an adverse effect on short-term operating results. Such costs could include
severance payments, restructuring charges associated with the acquisitions and
expenses associated with the change of control. There can be no assurance that
the Company will be able to anticipate all the changing demands the acquisitions
will impose on its management personnel, operational and management information
systems and financial systems. The integration of newly acquired companies may
also lead to diversion of management attention from other ongoing business
concerns. Any or all of these factors could have a material adverse effect on
the Company's business, financial condition or results of operations.
Risks Related to Acquisition Financing; Leverage. The financing for the
------------------------------------------------
acquisitions of Bactolac and ASHCO was provided primarily through a new lending
arrangement that commenced in November 1999. The loan facility is secured by
substantially all the assets of the Company and its subsidiaries. The loan
agreement contains various covenants that require the maintenance of certain
financial ratios, as well as additional covenants and significant restrictions
on dividend payments, issuance of debt and equity, mergers, changes in business
operations and sales of assets. These restrictions could limit the Company's
ability to respond to market conditions, to provide for unanticipated capital
expenditures or to take advantage of business or acquisition opportunities. If
any covenant were breached without a waiver or renegotiation of the terms of
that covenant, the lender could have the right to accelerate the payment of the
indebtedness even if the Company has made all principal and interest payments
when due. The Company has not complied with all of the covenants and has
obtained waivers from the lender. The Company is attempting to amend its credit
agreements and believes based on its discussions with such lenders that it will
be successful in such efforts. If the Company continues to breach these
covenants, or if the Company's operating revenues after the sale of NFLI were to
be insufficient to pay debt service, there would be a risk of default and
foreclosure on the Company's assets.
11
Subject to future operating results and/or obtaining additional financing, the
availability of which is not assured, the Company plans to seek additional
acquisitions. The timing, size and success of the Company's acquisition efforts
and any associated capital commitments cannot be readily predicted. The Company
currently intends to finance future acquisitions by using shares of its stock,
cash, borrowed funds (including the issuance of promissory notes to the sellers
of the companies to be acquired) or a combination thereof. If the Company's
stock does not maintain a sufficient market value, or if potential acquisition
candidates are otherwise unwilling to accept stock as part of the consideration
for the sale of their businesses, the Company may be required to use more of its
cash resources or more borrowed funds, in each case if available, in order to
acquire additional companies. If the Company does not have sufficient cash
resources, its growth could be limited unless it is able to obtain additional
capital through debt or equity financings. There can be no assurance that the
Company will be able to obtain any additional financing that it may need for
future acquisitions on the terms that the Company deems acceptable.
Dividends The Company declared an initial cash dividend of $.02 per share of
---------
common stock in September 1996, and paid dividends quarterly until June 1998.
The Company has not declared any dividends subsequent to June 1998. The
Company's credit facility prohibits dividend payments without the consent of the
lender. The determination of whether to pay dividends in the future will be
made by the Board of Directors and will depend on the earnings, capital
requirements, and operating and financial condition of the Company, among other
factors. It is not anticipated that the Company will pay dividends in the fiscal
year ending September 30, 2001 or in the foreseeable future.
Competition. The market for the Company's products is highly competitive. The
-----------
Company competes with other dietary supplement products and over-the-counter
pharmaceutical manufacturers. Among other factors, competition among these
manufacturers is based upon price. If one or more manufacturers significantly
reduce their prices in an effort to gain market share, the Company's business,
operations and financial condition could be adversely affected. Many of the
Company's competitors, particularly manufactures of nationally advertised brand
name products, are larger and have resources substantially greater than those of
the Company. There has been speculation about the potential for increased
participation in these markets by major international pharmaceutical companies.
In the future, if not already, one or more of these companies could seek to
compete more directly with the Company by manufacturing and distributing their
own or others' products, or by significantly lowering the prices of existing
national brand products. The Company sells substantially all of its supplement
products to customers who re-sell and distribute the products.
Risks Related to NFLI and the Company's Discontinued Operations
Distributor Network. NFLI's products are distributed through an extensive
-------------------
network marketing system of distributors. Distributors are independent
contractors who purchase products directly from NFLI for resale and/or for their
own use. Distributors typically market NFLI's products on a part-time basis, and
may engage in other business activities, including the sale of products offered
by competitors of NFLI. NFLI has a large number of distributors, and a
relatively small corporate staff to implement its marketing programs and provide
motivational support. NFLI's future growth depends to a significant degree on
its ability to retain and motivate its existing distributors and to attract new
distributors by continuing to offer new products and new marketing programs. See
"Product Competition and Competition for Distributors".
Regulatory Scrutiny and Legal Proceedings. NFLI's network marketing system
-----------------------------------------
is subject to governmental laws and regulations generally directed at ensuring
that product sales are made to consumers of the products and that compensation
and advancement within the marketing organization is based on sales of products
rather than investment in the organization. These laws and regulations include
the federal securities laws, matters administered by the Federal Trade
Commission and various state anti-pyramid and business opportunity laws.
Although NFLI believes that it is in compliance with all such laws and
regulations, NFLI remains subject to the risk that, in one or more of its
present or future markets, its marketing system or the conduct of certain
distributors could be found not in compliance with applicable laws or
regulations. Failure by NFLI or significant distributors to comply with these
laws and regulations could have a material adverse effect on NFLI in a
particular market or in general.
To become a distributor of NFLI, a person must be sponsored by an existing
distributor, sign the official Distributor Agreement, and purchase a
"distributor success kit" from NFLI, which is currently priced at $49. NFLI's
distributors earn the right to receive commissions upon obtaining the level of
"executive." Executive level distributors may earn commissions on sales
generated by other distributors in their downline organization. There are two
ways for a distributor to meet the requirement to become an executive, which can
be met the same day he or she enrolls as a distributor or over an extended
period of time at the election of the distributor. NFLI previously used the
terminology of "Instant Executive Program" to reference the qualifications for
becoming an executive distributor on an accelerated basis. The Instant Executive
Program, particularly as marketed by Kevin Trudeau, formerly a key independent
distributor, and his marketing organization, was the subject of legal and
regulatory scrutiny.
In April 1996, the Attorney General of the State of Illinois (the "Attorney
General") filed suit against the Trudeau Marketing Group, Inc., Kevin Trudeau
and Jules Leib (the "Illinois Suit") alleging violations of the Illinois
Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Practices Act and the Illinois Business
Opportunities Sales Law of 1995 by, among other things, operating a "pyramid
sales scheme." Mr. Leib worked with Mr. Trudeau and is an independent
distributor of NFLI's products. In addition, the Illinois Secretary of State
issued to Mr. Trudeau and the Trudeau Marketing Group a Summary Order to Cease
and Desist prohibiting them from offering or selling "business opportunities" in
the State of Illinois. Generally, a "business opportunity" is an agreement
involving sales of products or services enabling the purchaser to start a
business when the purchaser is required to pay more than $500. Many other states
have "business opportunity" statutes.
NFLI was not named as a defendant in the Illinois Suit, but NFLI's management
viewed the Illinois Suit as an opportunity to discuss NFLI's marketing program
and to resolve confusion surrounding the program. On July 16, 1996, NFLI
entered into an "Assurance of Voluntary Compliance" (the "AVC") with the
Illinois Attorney General. The AVC preserved the ability of a new distributor
to become an executive distributor the day that he or she enrolls by purchasing
at least $1,000 in qualifying products and by
12
joining the Order Assurance Program and a business training program. Under the
AVC, NFLI may maintain its same executive level qualifications, but to aid
clarification, it will no longer use the "Instant Executive" designation. Other
key features of the AVC focus on NFLI's commitment to: (a) create an official
explanation of its marketing and compensation plan and to prohibit distributors
from creating their own explanations of how the marketing and compensation plan
works; (b) make clear that there are no mandatory purchases of product to become
a distributor; (c) take further steps to stress distributor compliance with
NFLI's policies and procedures; and (d) create a World Wide Web site on the
Internet to provide more information about NFLI's products and programs. NFLI
also agreed to provide distributor earnings disclosures and to make clear that
executive distributors cannot earn commissions unless they are engaged in the
sale of NFLI's products to consumers at retail, including procedures to verify
retail sales. Specifically, an executive distributor will not be entitled to
receive bonuses or commissions on downline sales unless within the preceding one
month period the executive distributor has made at least five retail sales, or
within the preceding two month period has made ten retail sales. NFLI also
agreed to take additional steps to encourage distributors to redeem OAP
certificates for product, to monitor customer purchases, and to make a
contribution to the Illinois Consumer Education Fund.
NFLI entered into similar agreements with the states of Florida, Hawaii,
Idaho, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. NFLI
has agreed that in Florida, distributors who want to receive commissions must
state, when placing orders, that they have sold to consumers 70% of their prior
commissionable product purchase. NFLI has agreed to establish procedures to
independently verify consumer sales on a random basis and to sanction
distributors submitting false information. Compliance by NFLI with these
agreements may make the program less attractive to distributors and prospective
distributors. In particular, NFLI believes that the special requirements in the
Florida agreement have had a negative impact on NFLI's ability to retain and
attract distributors in Florida. These factors could negatively impact NFLI's
future operating results. NFLI maintains an ongoing compliance program, which
includes periodic reporting to the states.
NFLI was informed that in July 1996, Mr. Trudeau signed a consent decree
resolving the lawsuit with the Illinois Attorney General and entered into a
settlement agreement with the Illinois Secretary of State resolving the Cease
and Desist Order. Among other things, Mr. Trudeau agreed to abide by all
applicable provisions of the AVC entered into between NFLI and the Illinois
Attorney General. NFLI was also informed that Mr. Leib entered an Assurance of
Voluntary Compliance with the Illinois Attorney General.
In April 1996, NFLI received notice from the Securities and Exchange
Commission of a formal order of private investigation into possible violations
by NFLI of the federal securities laws. In December 1996 NFLI received a letter
from the Securities and Exchange Commission notifying NFLI that the staff
inquiry had been terminated and that no enforcement action had been recommended
at that time to the Commission.
In 1996 class action lawsuits were commenced against NFLI alleging, among
other things, that NFLI's distributor compensation program constituted an
illegal "pyramid scheme." In 1997, NFLI entered into settlement agreements. The
pendancy and settlement of these actions had a material adverse effect upon
NFLI's operations and financial condition.
NFLI does not believe that the manner in which it markets its products
constitutes a "pyramid scheme" or a "security." The only financial requirement
to become a distributor is to purchase a "distributor success kit" which is
currently priced at a nominal charge of $49. NFLI does not pay a fee or other
compensation to distributors as direct remuneration for enrolling distributors
in their "downline" and NFLI encourages all distributors to retail their
products to consumers who are not NFLI executives. In addition, NFLI does not
pay a fee or other compensation to distributors for sales of product to their
downline; thus, all product purchases are to be consumed by the distributor or
sold to the ultimate consumer. NFLI believes that the efforts it has undertaken
with the Illinois Attorney General and regulatory authorities in other states,
which culminated in the AVC in Illinois and elsewhere, will assist NFLI in
complying with government laws and regulations in the future. Nonetheless,
there can be no assurance that the appropriate authorities in any states will
not initiate court proceedings against NFLI for violation of applicable laws.
Furthermore, there can be no assurances that NFLI will not be subject to other
lawsuits from other governmental authorities or private parties in state or
federal court. Any such action could have a material adverse effect upon NFLI.
Adverse Publicity. The size of the distribution force and results of NFLI's
-----------------
operations can be particularly impacted by adverse publicity regarding NFLI, or
its competitors, including the legality of network marketing, the quality of
NFLI's products and product ingredients or those of NFLI's competitors,
regulatory investigations of NFLI or its competitors and their products, actions
by NFLI's distributors and the public's perception of NFLI's distributors and
network marketing businesses generally. Such adverse publicity could have a
material adverse effect on NFLI's ability to attract and retain customers or
distributors, or in NFLI's results from operations or financial condition
generally.
Statements and Other Actions by Distributors. NFLI's distributors are
--------------------------------------------
required to sign NFLI's official Distributor Agreement that requires them to
abide by NFLI's policies. Nonetheless, in certain instances distributors have
created promotional material which does not accurately describe NFLI's marketing
program or they may have made statements regarding potential earnings or other
matters not in accordance with NFLI's policies. Although regulatory authorities
did not sue NFLI, such actions lead to increased
13
regulatory scrutiny as described above. Although NFLI attempts to monitor its
distributors' statements and activities, there can be no assurance that it will
be able to accomplish this objective and NFLI could be subject to regulatory
scrutiny and potential claims. In addition, distributors could make predictive
statements about NFLI's operations or other unauthorized remarks regarding NFLI
that NFLI may be unable to control. Distributors are not authorized to make such
statements on behalf of NFLI. Nonetheless, statements or actions by distributors
could also adversely affect NFLI.
Product Competition and Competition for Distributors. The business of
----------------------------------------------------
distributing and marketing vitamins and minerals, personal care items, weight
management items, and other products offered by NFLI is highly competitive.
Numerous manufacturers, distributors and retailers compete actively for
consumers. Many of NFLI's competitors are substantially larger than NFLI and
have greater financial resources. The market is highly sensitive to the
introduction of new products or weight management plans that may rapidly capture
a significant share of the market. As a result, NFLI's ability to remain
competitive depends in part upon the successful introduction of new products.
NFLI is subject to significant competition from other marketing organizations
for the recruitment of distributors. NFLI's ability to remain competitive
depends, in significant part, on NFLI's success in recruiting and retaining
distributors. From the last quarter of the fiscal year ended September 30, 1995
to the last quarter of the fiscal year ended September 30, 1998, one executive
level distributor, Mr. Kevin Trudeau and his marketing organization, were
involved in recruiting distributors for NFLI. In August 1998, NFLI and Mr.
Trudeau entered into an agreement to end their business relationship. Mr.
Trudeau's agreement not to compete with NFLI expired in May 1999. In October
1998 NFLI also entered into a severance Agreement with NC and DS, which had been
producing and marketing recruiting and training materials and sponsoring
promotional events for NFLI since July 1996. NFLI is now internally providing
the services previously performed by NC and DC. There can be no assurance that
NFLI's programs for recruitment, training and retention of distributors will be
successful or that existing distributors will not join Mr. Trudeau in another
business venture or otherwise lose interest in NFLI's products and programs.
Dependence on Key Personnel. NFLI's success depends on the continued
---------------------------
availability of certain key management personnel, including David P. Bertrand
and Jana B. Mitcham, founders and officers of NFLI. NFLI has obtained "key man"
insurance on the lives of Mr. Bertrand and Ms. Mitcham with benefit amounts to
NFLI of $1,060,000 and $660,000, respectively. NFLI's growth and profitability
also depends on its ability to attract and retain other management personnel.
Family Relationships. At September 30, 2000, NFLI's operations in the United
--------------------
States employed approximately 115 persons. Of these 115 persons, 11 persons have
a family relationship, through birth or marriage, with either David P. Bertrand
or Jana B. Mitcham, executive officers of NFLI. NFLI's management believes that
all of NFLI's employees have been employed by NFLI on the basis of their
qualifications, and that their retention by, and advancement within, NFLI has
been, and will continue to be, determined by their individual performances as an
employee of NFLI, and not due to any family relationship. Nonetheless, due to
the large number of family relationships, the potential for conflicts of
interest could be significant.
Government Regulations. The manufacturing, processing, formulation, packaging,
----------------------
labeling and advertising of NFLI's products are subject to regulation by
federal, state and foreign agencies, including the United States Food and Drug
Administration (the "FDA"), the Federal Trade Commission, the Consumer Product
Safety Commission, the United States Department of Agriculture, the United
States Postal Service and the United States Environmental Protection Agency.
Among other matters, such regulation is concerned with health claims made with
respect to a product that asserts the healing or nutritional value of such
product. Such agencies have a variety of remedies and processes available to
them, including initiating investigations, issuing warning letters and cease and
desist orders, requiring corrective labels or advertising, requiring consumer
redress (for example, by requiring that a company offer to repurchase products
previously sold to consumers), seeking injunctive relief or product seizure,
imposing civil penalties, or commencing criminal prosecution.
There can be no assurance that the regulatory environment in which NFLI
operates will not change or that such regulatory environment, or any specific
action taken against NFLI, will not result in a material adverse effect on
NFLI's business, financial condition or results of operations. NFLI also cannot
predict whether new legislation regulating its activities will be enacted, which
new legislation could have a material adverse effect on its operations.
Expansion Into Foreign Markets. Although NFLI intends to continue to operate
------------------------------
in and expand into foreign markets, there can be no assurance that NFLI can open
markets on a timely basis or that such markets will prove to be profitable.
Significant regulation and legal barriers must be overcome before marketing can
begin in any foreign market. Also, before marketing has commenced, it is
difficult to assess the extent to which NFLI's products and sales techniques
will be successful in any given country. In addition to significant regulatory
barriers, NFLI may also expect problems related to entering new markets with
different cultural bases and legal systems from those encountered in the past.
Moreover, expansion of NFLI's operations into new markets entails substantial
working capital and capital requirements associated with regulatory compliance.
14
Effect of Exchange Rate Fluctuations. During the fiscal years ended
------------------------------------
September 30, 2000 and 1998 NFLI realized exchange rate losses of
approximately $453,000, and $318,000, respectively. During the year ended
September 30, 1999 the Company realized an exchange rate gain of approximately
$65,600. There can be no assurance that exchange rates will continue to improve
in the future or that future exchange rate losses will not exceed those
experienced in recent periods. Further, if exchange rates fluctuate
dramatically, it may become uneconomical for NFLI to establish or continue
activities in certain countries.
Contracts with Suppliers or Manufacturers. NFLI does not have any written
-----------------------------------------
contracts with any of its suppliers or manufacturers or commitments from any of
its suppliers or manufacturers to continue to sell products to NFLI other than a
three year agreement with VitaRich Laboratories, Inc. ("VitaRich").
Pursuant to an agreement entered into in July 1998, NFLI agreed to advance
VitaRich up to $800,000 to secure the purchase of a sufficient quantity of
certain nutritional supplement raw materials to meet NFLI's anticipated need for
rapid delivery of product and to obtain such product at discounted prices. The
agreement is for three years and requires that NFLI provide VitaRich with
periodic estimates of anticipated needs, as well as actual use rates of the
requested product. Other than its agreement with VitaRich, NFLI does not have
long term supply agreements with any vendor. Accordingly, there is a risk that
any of NFLI's suppliers or manufacturers could discontinue selling their
products to NFLI for any reason. Although NFLI believes that it could establish
alternate sources for most of its products, any delay in locating and
establishing relationships with other sources could result in product shortages
and back orders for the products, with a resulting loss of revenues to NFLI.
Product Liabilities. NFLI, like other manufacturers and distributors of
-------------------
products that are ingested, faces an inherent risk of exposure to product
liability claims if, among other things, the use of its products results in
injury. NFLI currently has product liability insurance for its operations in
amounts NFLI believes are adequate for its operations. There can be no
assurance, however, that such insurance will continue to be available at a
reasonable cost, or if available, will be adequate to cover liabilities.
ITEM 2. DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY
Properties
ASHCO manufactures pharmaceutical products at its company owned 132,000 square
foot facility in Gulfport, Mississippi. Bactolac headquartered in Hauppauge, New
York, conducts its operations in a leased facility comprising approximately
25,000 square feet. Bactolac current monthly rental is approximately $27,000, of
which $6,000 pertains to improvement made by a related party, that escalates
over the 5 year term remaining on the lease. The Company has two five year
renewal options and a purchase option on the facility. The Bactolac lease is
with Shilpa Saketh Realty, Inc., an entity owned by a member of the Company's
Board of Directors. In addition, ANI currently rents administrative office space
on a temporary, short-term basis for $1,000 per month.
Discontinued Operations
NFLI's offices and warehouse facilities in Houston, Texas are leased from non-
affiliates. NFLI's office building consists of approximately 37,000 square feet
and the current monthly rental is $19,945. Additionally, NFLI's warehouse
consists of approximately 52,000 square feet and the current monthly rental is
$17,347. NFLI also leases warehouse facilities in Alaska and Hawaii with a
combined 3,000 square feet of space for approximately $4,835 per month.
Additionally, the Company leases an office and warehouse center in Warrington,
England from a non-affiliate consisting of approximately 16,000 square feet. The
current monthly rental is $10,000 that escalates over the eight year term
remaining on the lease.
See Item 7. "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operation" and Item 8. "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data".
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
The Company is not a party to any legal proceedings, the adverse outcome of
which would, in management's opinion, have a material adverse effect on the
Company's business, financial condition and results of operations.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
No matter was submitted to a vote of security holders during the fourth
quarter of the fiscal year covered by this Report.
15
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND
RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
The Company's Common Stock is traded on the National Market System of the
Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol "ANII" and its warrants trade under the
symbol "ANIIW". The Company has been notified by Nasdaq that its common stock is
subject to delisting for the failure to meet minimum bid price and market value
public float requirements. The Company plans to request a hearing to review this
determination. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to
maintain its Nasdaq listing.
In connection with a public offering in July 1995 the Company issued warrants
to purchase Common Stock (the "Warrants"). The holder of one Warrant is entitled
to purchase one share of Common Stock at $3.75 per share until April 30, 2001,
unless earlier redeemed by the Company.
Common Stock Warrants
------------ ------------
Quarter Ended High Low High Low
------------- ----- ----- ----- -----
Fiscal 1998:
December 31, 1997 $7.88 $5.50 $3.94 $2.38
March 31, 1998 6.44 4.94 2.69 1.63
June 30, 1998 9.00 5.56 5.13 1.88
September 30, 1998 7.13 3.00 3.63 0.50
Fiscal 1999:
December 31, 1998 3.94 2.00 1.06 0.38
March 31, 1999 3.34 2.06 1.13 0.38
June 30, 1999 2.63 2.06 0.88 0.25
September 30, 1999 3.63 1.63 0.94 0.31
Fiscal 2000
December 31, 1999 3.00 2.13 0.38 0.19
March 31, 2000 2.44 1.63 0.75 0.19
June 30, 2000 2.19 1.38 0.31 0.25
September 30, 2000 2.00 0.75 0.31 0.03
As of January 10, 2001, there were 1,542 record holders of common stock.
The Company declared its first cash dividend on its common stock in September
1996, which dividend of $.02 per share was paid in October 1996. The Company
continued to pay quarterly dividends of $.02 per share of common stock until
June 1998. No dividends have been declared by the Company subsequent to June
1998. It is not likely that dividends will be paid in the fiscal year ending
September 30, 2000. The Company may not declare any dividends without the
consent of GECC. Subject to obtaining the lender's consent the determination of
the payment of dividends in the future will be within the discretion of the
Company's Board of Directors and will depend on the earnings, capital
requirements and operating and financial condition of the Company, among other
factors.
16
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The selected financial data presented below for each year in the five-year
period ended September 30, 2000 have been derived from the audited financial
statements of the Company as restated to present the operations of NFLI as
discontinued operations. The data presented below should be read in
conjunction with Company's financial statements and notes thereto and, except
for operating data included therein, Item 7. "Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations".
YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
(In thousands, except Per Share Data)
-------------------------------------------------
2000 1999 1998 1997 1996
---- ---- ---- ---- ----
Statements of Operations
Net sales $16,068 $ -- $ -- $ -- $ --
Gross profit 5,498 -- -- -- --
Operating income (loss) 770 (628) (586) (722) (535)
Income (loss) from continuing
operations (34) (628) (586) (722) (535)
Income (loss) from discontinued
operations, net of tax (3,970) (220) (281) (1,259) 9,240
Net income (loss) $(4,004) (848) (867) (1,981) 8,705
Basic earnings (loss) per share:
Continuing operations $ -- $ (.11) $ (.10) $ (.13) $ (.10)
Discontinued operations, net of tax $ (.52) $ (.04) $ (.05) $ ( .22) $ 1.71
Diluted earnings (loss) per share:
Continuing operations $ -- $ (.11) $ (.10) $ (.13) $ (.08)
Discontinued operations, net of tax $ (.52) $ (.04) $ (.05) $ (.22) $ 1.44
Weighted average number of
shares outstanding (1):
Basic 7,714 5,809 5,833 5,625 5,408
Diluted 7,714 5,809 5,833 5,625 6,405
Balance Sheet Data:
Working capital $ 1,544 $14,348 $14,443 $15,858 $17,602
Total assets 31,778 14,348 14,443 15,858 17,602
Total liabilities 14,951 -- -- -- --
Stockholders' equity 16,827 14,348 14,443 15,858 17,602
(1) The weighted average number of shares of Common Stock outstanding for
each period presented has been calculated giving effect to dilutive
stock options and warrants.
17
SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION
QUARTER ENDED
(In thousands, except Per Share)
--------------------------------
December 31 March 31 June 30 September 30 Fiscal Year
----------- -------- ------- ------------ -----------
Fiscal 2000:
Net Sales $ 1,785 $ 4,996 $4,787 $4,500 $ 16,068
Gross profit 509 1,639 1,442 1,908 5,498
Income from continuing operations 50 225 (285) (24) (34)
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax (548) (643) (2,486) (293) (3,970)
Net income (loss) (498) (418) (2,771) (317) (4,004)
Earnings (loss) per Share:
Continuing $ .01 $ .03 $ (.04) $ -- $ --
Discontinued $ (.07) $ (.08) $ (.32) $ (.04) $ (.52)
Dividends per share -- -- -- -- --
Fiscal 1999:
Net Sales $ -- $ -- $ -- $ -- $ --
Gross profit -- -- -- -- --
Loss from continuing operation (220) (113) (88) (207) (628)
Income (loss) from discontinued
operations, net of tax 624 128 581 (1,553) (220)
Net income (loss) 404 15 493 (1,760) (848)
Earnings (loss) per Share:
Continuing $ (.04) $ (.02) $ (.01) $ (.04) $ (.11)
Discontinued $ .11 $ .02 $ .10 $ (.27) $ (.04)
Dividends per share -- -- -- -- --
Fiscal 1998:
Net Sales $ -- $ -- $ -- $ -- $ --
Gross profit -- -- -- -- --
Loss from continuing operations (205) (82) (106) (193) (586)
Income (loss) from discontinued
operations, net of tax (43) 687 (215) (710) (281)
Net income (loss)) (248) 605 (321) (903) (1) (867)
Earnings (loss) per Share:
Continuing $ (0.04) $ (0.01) $ (0.02) $ (0.03) $ (0.10)
Discontinued $ (0.01) $ 0.12 $ (0.04) $ (0.12) $ (0.05)
Dividends per share $ 0.02 $ 0.02 $ 0.02 -- $ 0.06
(1) Includes a $702,000 charge for warrants issued in connection with a
severance agreement.
18
FINANCIAL INFORMATION RELATING TO FOREIGN AND
DOMESTIC OPERATIONS AND EXPORT SALES
Continuing Operations:
For the year ended September 30, 2000, Sales to unaffiliated customers
totaled $16,068,000 of which $1,400,000 related to a customer located in Russia.
Operating profit was $965,000 and identifiable assets were $33,687,000.
Discontinued Operations
YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
(In thousands)
------------
2000 1999 1998 1997 1996
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Sales to unaffiliated customers:
North America (1) $46,432 $61,047 $65,387 $80,325 $97,248
Europe (2) 4,156 4,690 3,533 2,549 156
Philippines (3) 582 833 738 171 --
Japan (4) 2,020 -- -- -- --
Sales or transfers between geographic areas:
North America -- -- -- -- --
Europe 742 1,007 622 682 82
Philippines 145 104 290 269 --
Japan -- -- -- -- --
Operating profit (loss):
North America (3,051) 861 1,937 (2,342) 13,382
Europe (1,297) (855) (959) (906) (35)
Philippines (300) (508) (280) (28) --
Japan (668) -- -- -- --
Identifiable assets:
North America 11,200 25,789 29,635 29,827 27,524
Europe 1,292 1,680 1,435 1,355 871
Philippines -- 314 883 708 --
Japan 472 -- -- -- --
(1) Includes the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico.
(2) First began operations in fiscal 1996.
(3) First began operations in fiscal 1997 and sold in fiscal 2000.
(4) First began operations in fiscal 2000.
19
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Results of Operations
Manufacturing Operations
The Company's manufacturing operations are a new line of business resulting
from the acquisitions that were consummated during the first quarter of the
fiscal year ended September 30, 2000. The acquisition of Bactolac Pharmaceutical
Inc., a contract manufacturer of nutritional supplements, was closed on November
17, 1999, and ASHCO, a contract manufacturer of pharmaceutical products, was
acquired as a division of Bactolac, as of December 1, 1999. The acquisitions
have been accounted for under the purchase method of accounting, whereby the
results of the acquired operations are included in the consolidated financial
statements from their dates of acquisition. In order to provide a meaningful
comparison, the following table for comparative purposes only, sets forth on a
pro forma basis for the periods indicated the amounts and percentages of
selected items of revenue and expense, as though the acquisitions of Bactolac
and ASHCO had been consummated as of the beginning of the year ended September
30, 1999.
-------------------------------------------
Pro Forma Year ended September 30,
2000 1999
-------------------------------------------
Amount % Amount %
Net sales $18,762,000 100.0% $19,296,000 100.0%
Cost of sales 12,932,000 68.9 16,110,000 83.5
Gross profit 5,830,000 31.1 3,186,000 16.5
Operating expenses 3,486,000 21.6 2,449,000 12.7
Goodwill amortization 484,000 10.3 484,000 1.6
Operating income 1,860,000 2.2 253,000 2.2
Net sales for the 2000 pro forma period decreased $534,000 or 2.8% over the
1999 pro forma period. The decrease was primarily attributable to a net
$2,612,000, increase in the sales of Bactolac, through a number of customers,
off set by a $3,146,000 reduction in the sales of ASHCO. The majority of the
ASHCO decrease was attributable to a decline in sales to Bayer Corporation.
Bayer Corporation has historically represented a significant portion of ASHCO's
revenue base, and Bayer has informed ASHCO, that effective January 1, 2001, it
intends to produce in-house substantially all of the products currently produced
for it by ASHCO. ASHCO is aggressively attempting to expand its customer base to
compensate for the loss of the Bayer business. Failure to replace this
substantial customer, or the inability to substantially reduce ASHCO's operating
expenses, would have an adverse effect on the Company's business and operations.
Gross profit for the 2000 pro forma period increased to $5,831,000, a
$2,645,000 increase over the 1999 pro forma amount. On a pro forma basis, gross
profit as a percentage of net sales increased to 31.1% in 2000, as compared to
17.0% in the 1999 pro forma period. The majority of the increase was due to
higher levels of sales at the Bactolac operation, without a corresponding level
of increase in the labor and overhead components of the cost of sales amounts.
Additionally, as Bactolac purchases materials in higher volumes and better
manages its purchasing activities, it is able to reduce, as a percentage of
sales, its material costs. Shortly after the end of the current fiscal year,
Bactolac moved into a larger facility, which will cause an increase in costs,
but is also anticipated to provide for improved operating efficiencies and
expanded in-house capabilities of certain processes for coating and packaging
that had been previously outsourced and allow for higher revenue levels to be
obtained.
Operating expenses on a pro forma basis increased to $3,486,000 in 2000, from
$2,350,000, in 1999. This represents an increase of $1,136,000, or 48%. The
majority of the increase relates to additional personnel costs, in addition to
higher administrative costs being incurred for insurance, professional fees and
sales and marketing expenses following the acquisitions.
Discontinued Operations.
On December 29, 2000, the Company's Board of Directors, approved the sale
of NFLI to an unrelated privately held entity. NFLI develops products that
are designed for health-conscious consumers, and sells those products to
consumers through its network of independent distributors.
20
As a result of the agreement to sell NFLI, the Company's consolidated financial
statements and related notes thereto have been restated to present the
operations of NFLI as discontinued operations. For further discussion see Notes
3 and 4 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Since ANI consummated the acquisitions of Bactolac and ASHCO, it has met its
working capital and capital expenditure requirements, including funding for debt
repayments, mainly through net cash provided under the Company's revolving line
of credit provided through a secured lender. As a result of cost reductions
which have been implemented across the board and upon the closing of the pending
sale of NFLI, management believes that a significant portion of the upcoming
working capital needs can be met out of cash provided by the sale of NFLI and
cash generated from operating activities. Additionally, subsequent to September
30, 2000, the Company received a net state of Texas franchise tax refund of
approximately, $619,000, arising from amending previous years tax returns, which
amount will be used for working capital needs. Management plans to continue to
strive to restore profitability and pursue additional financing during the
current fiscal year to meet currently anticipated funding requirements.
At September 30, 2000, the Company had working capital of $1,544,000, (which
included $5,343,000, the net assets of the discontinued NFLI business).
Borrowings under the revolving portion of the secured credit facility totaled
$4,653,000, with additional borrowings available of $577,000, at that point,
based upon accounts receivable and inventory levels. Under the terms of the
Agreement for the sale of NFLI, the purchaser is required to repay or assume the
NFLI portion of such borrowings, which as of September 30, 2000, totaled
approximately $1,363,000, including $220,000, outstanding under the term loan
portion of the credit facility.
Operating Activities
New cash outflows from continuing operating activities were approximately
$1,635,000, $628,000 and $586,000 in 2000, 1999 and 1998. The cash used in
operations in 1999 and 1998 consisted of the general and administrative expenses
of the continuing entity as an inactive holding company, as the acquisitions of
the continuing business segment were not consummated until 2000. The net cash
outflow from operating activities in 2000, consisted primarily of approximately
$1,930,000 in cash used to reduce accounts payable and accrued expenses during
the period following the acquisitions of Bactolac and ASHCO and approximately
$1,468,000 increase in accounts receivable, relating primarily to higher level
of sales at the Bactolac operation. These amounts were offset in 2000 by income
generated by continuing operations after adding back depreciation and
amortization expense.
Investing Activities
Investing activities from continuing activities consumed approximately
$4,293,000 in 2000. Substantially all of this amount was used for the
acquisitions of Bactolac and ASHCO, during the first quarter of the fiscal year
ended September 30, 2000. Following those acquisitions, an additional $205,000
was used for equipment additions, primarily at the new Bactolac facility, which
was leased shortly before the end of the fiscal year. As the acquisitions of
Bactolac and ASHCO were completed in 2000, there were no investing activities
from continuing operations in 1999 or 1998.
Financing Activities
Financing activities from continuing activities generated approximately
$5,026,000 in 2000. This consisted of $5,226,000 in net borrowing under the
Company's credit facility, less $200,000 in principal payments made on long term
debt. As the acquisitions of Bactolac and ASHCO were completed in 2000, there
were no financing activities from continuing operations in 1999 or 1998.
The Company's revolving credit facility provides for borrowings up to
$12,000,000, based upon outstanding amounts of eligible accounts receivable and
allowable inventories. Additionally, there is a $2,360,000 term loan facility
with the secured lender that requires principal payments of $49,167, monthly
over the remaining term of the Agreement. Interest on amounts outstanding under
the Agreement is payable monthly based upon the lender's index rate plus one-
half percent. The credit facility is secured by substantially all of the
Company's assets. The Agreement contains a number of covenants, which include
among other items; maintenance of specified minimum net worth and fixed charge
ratio, as well as limitations on capital expenditures. At September 30, 2000,
the Company was not in compliance with several covenants under the Agreement and
a waiver has been obtained from GECC. Due to the fact that ANI was not in
compliance with the terms of the Agreement, and the waiver did not extent beyond
one year, the entire amount outstanding under the Agreement has been classified
as a current liability on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of
September 30, 2000. Management of ANI plans to continue discussions with the
secured lender concerning an amendment to the credit facility which management
believes based on its discussions with such lender can be accomplished between
now and closing of the NFLI sale, to approve the agreed upon sale of NFLI and to
achieve mutually acceptable compliance conditions. If the Company is not
successful in its efforts to amend the Agreement, it will have adverse effects
on the Company's business, financial condition and operations.
As a result of the acquisitions of Bactolac and ASHCO, during the first
quarter of the Company's fiscal year ended September 30, 2000, the Company
entered into purchase notes totaling $3,000,000, with certain of the selling
stockholders and assumed, through Bactolac, a $1,350,053, mortgage obligation of
the ASHCO facility. The Bactolac stock purchase note is subordinate to the GECC
facility, bears interest at 7%, and with the approval of GECC, required a
$1,000,000,payment on the first anniversary of the acquisition. The holder of
the note has agreed to extend the payment of the first installment for six
months or until the closing of the NFLI sale transaction. The $500,000, ASHCO
stock purchase notes are subordinate to the GECC facility, bear interest at
7%, and subject to the approval of GECC, were payable December 29, 2000. The
loan assumption agreement for the ASHCO mortgage obligation bears interest at
prime plus 2%, and is secured by the ASHCO land and building. The assumption
agreement was originally due May 15, 2000, and the holder has agreed to three
amendment agreements that extended the due date to December 31, 2000. Management
of ANI intends to continue to try to work with the holders of these obligations
in trying to resolve the current inability to liquidate the debts under their
scheduled terms. Additionally, the ability to potentially refinance the ASHCO
mortgage with a new lender and provide additional cash is currently being
explored. Should the holders not agree to extensions, or an alternative loan
facility not be obtained, it would have adverse effects on the Company's
business, financial condition and operation.
Capital expenditures, primarily for manufacturing and laboratory equipment for
fiscal 2001 are anticipated to be approximately $450,000-600,000. It is expected
that the funding for these capital needs will be provided by leases. A lease of
$70,000 has recently been approved and is anticipated to be funded in January
2001, and a lease line of $407,000, has been tentatively approved for equipment
needs.
Bayer has notified the Company that it will be moving substantially all
production previously produced at the ASHCO facility, to its own in-house
facility on or about January 1, 2001. During the first quarter of the current
fiscal year ending September 30, 2001, a significant increase in Bayer orders,
which totaled approximately $1.1 million, was received and processed at the
ASHCO facility,
21
as Bayer stocked up for the transition. During the second quarter of the year,
it is expected that such revenues will be collected and associated accounts
receivable and inventory levels will be reduced. Since no new revenues are
expected from Bayer, ASHCO has been attempting to expand its customer base to
reduce its dependence upon Bayer and intends to continue to focus on those
efforts. Failure to replace this substantial customer or failing to implement a
substantial reduction in operating expenses would have an adverse effect on the
Company's business, financial condition and results of operations.
Year 2000 Issue Update
The Company did not experience any significant malfunctions or errors in
its operating or business systems when the date changed from 1999 to 2000. Based
on operations since January 1, 2000, the Company does not expect any significant
impact to its on-going business as a result of the "Year 2000 issue." However,
it is possible that the full impact of the date change, which was of concern due
to computer programs that use two digits instead of four digits to define years,
has not been fully recognized. For example, it is possible that Year 2000 or
similar issues, such as leap year-related problems, may occur with billing,
payroll, or financial closings at month, quarterly or year end. The Company
believes that any such problems are likely to be minor and correctable. In
addition, the Company could still be negatively impacted if its customers or
suppliers are adversely affected by the Year 2000 or similar problems that have
arisen for its customers and suppliers.
Accounting Pronouncements
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) 133, Accounting for
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, as amended by SFAS 137,
Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - Deferral of the
Effective Date of FASB Statement No 133, and SFAS 138, Accounting for Certain
Derivative Instruments and Certain Hedging Activities, will be effective for the
Company's fiscal year ending September 30, 2001. SFAS 133 requires that an
entity record all derivatives on the balance sheet as either assets or
liabilities, measured at fair value. The accounting for changes in the fair
value of a derivative depends on the use of the derivative. Management believes
that the adoption of these statements will not have a significant impact on the
company's financial position or results of operations.
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) issued Staff Accounting
Bulletin (SAB) 101, Revenue Recognition in Financial Statements, in December
1999. The SAB summarizes certain of the SEC staff's views in applying generally
accepted accounting principles to revenue recognition in financial statements.
In June 2000, the SEC issued SAB 101B, which delays the implementation date of
SAB 101 until no later than the fourth fiscal quarter of fiscal years beginning
after December 15, 1999. The Company does not believe that adoption of this SAB
will have a material impact on it's financial statements.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES
ABOUT MARKET RISK
The Company is exposed to market risks, which include changes in currency
exchange rates as measured against the U.S. dollar. The value of the U.S. dollar
against the foreign currencies in which the Company has operations affects the
Company's financial results. Changes in exchange rates positively or negatively
affect the Company's sales (as expressed in U.S. dollars), gross margins,
operating expenses, and retained earnings. When the U.S. dollar sustains a
strengthening position against currencies in which the Company sells products or
a weakening exchange rate against currencies in which it incurs costs, its sales
or costs are adversely affected. The Company does not believe that upon
completion of the sale of NFLI, that it will have any significant exposure to
exchange rate fluctuations.
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS
ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
On September 16, 1999, the Company determined to engage Grant Thornton LLP as
the principal accountant to audit the Company's financial statements for the
fiscal year ending September 30, 1999. The decision to change accountants was
recommended by the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company.
The Report of BDO Seidman, LLP, on the consolidated financial statements of
the Company for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1998 did not contain an
adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion nor was it modified as to uncertainty,
audit scope or accounting principles. The Company does not believe that there
were any disagreements with BDO Seidman, LLP on any matter of accounting
principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or
procedure, during that past fiscal year or the subsequent interim period through
September 16, 1999 which, if not resolved to BDO Seidman, LLP's satisfaction,
would have caused BDO Seidman, LLP to make reference to the subject matter of
the disagreement(s) in connection with its Report. However, during fiscal 1999
BDO Seidman, LLP informed the Company of the need to evaluate for impairment the
unamortized carrying value of the Audio Production Rights which balance as of
September 30, 1998 and June 30, 1999 was $1,400,000 and $1,089,000,
respectively. The Company evaluated such Audio Production Rights for impairment
at September 30, 1999, as well as subsequently.
22
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Advanced Nutraceuticals, Inc. Consolidated Financial Statements Page
----
Report of Independent Certified Public Accountants F-2
Independent Certified Public Accountants' Report F-3
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2000 and 1999 F-4
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the Years Ended
September 30, 2000, 1999 and 1998. F-5
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the Years Ended September 30, 2000, 1999 and 1998. F-6
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended September 30, 2000, 1999 and 1998. F-7
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. F-8
F-1
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
Board of Directors and Stockholders
Advanced Nutraceuticals, Inc.
We have audited the consolidated balance sheets of Advanced Nutraceuticals,
Inc. (formerly - Nutrition For Life International, Inc.) and Subsidiaries as of
September 30, 2000 and 1999 and the related consolidated statements of
operations and comprehensive income (loss), stockholders' equity, and cash flows
for the years then ended. These consolidated financial statements are the
responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally
accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan
and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial
statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a
test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and
significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall
financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a
reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of
Advanced Nutraceuticals, Inc. (formerly - Nutrition For Life International,
Inc.) and Subsidiaries as of September 30, 2000 and 1999 and the consolidated
results of their operations and their consolidated cash flows for the years then
ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United
States of America.
Grant Thornton LLP
Houston, Texas
January 3, 2001
F-2
INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS' REPORT
To the Board of Directors
and Shareholders of
Advanced Nutraceuticals, Inc.
We have audited the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive
loss, stockholders' equity, and cash flows of Advanced Nutraceuticals, Inc.
(formerly - Nutrition for Life International, Inc.) for the year ended September
30, 1998. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the
Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
consolidated financial statements based on our audit. As more fully described in
note 4 to the consolidated financial statements, the consolidated financial
statements for 1998 give retroactive presentation to the effect of managements
decision in fiscal 2000 to discontinue the Company's Nutrition for Life
International, Inc. subsidiary. We did not audit the effect that this
determination had on the Company's previously presented financial statements.
We conducted our audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated results of operations
and cash flows of Advanced Nutraceuticals, Inc. (formerly -Nutrition For Life
International, Inc.) for the year ended September 30, 1998 in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles.
BDO Seidman, LLP
Houston, Texas
December 29, 1998
F-3
ADVANCED NUTRACEUTICALS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2000 AND 1999
2000 1999
---- ----
ASSETS
------
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 696,741 $ --
Trade accounts receivable, net 4,525,376 --
Inventories (Note 2) 1,807,303 --
Net assets of discontinued operation (Notes 3 and 4) 5,343,367 13,749,202
Deferred tax asset (Note 5) 520,000 599,000
Prepaid expenses and other assets 150,425 --
------------- -------------
Total Current Assets 13,043,212 14,348,202
Property and equipment, net (Note 6 and 9) 9,456,712 --
Goodwill, net (Note 7) 9,228,829 --
Other assets 49,582 --
------------- -------------
$ 31,778,335 $ 14,348,202
============= =============
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
------------------------------------
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable $ 2,812,170 $ --
Deferred income 111,111 --
Accrued expenses and other liabilities 498,633 --
Credit facility (Note 8) 5,227,078 --
Current portion of long-term debt (Note 9) 2,850,053 --
------------- -------------
Total Current Liabilities 11,499,045 --
Deferred tax liability (Note 5) 1,952,000 --
Long-term debt (Note 9) 1,500,000 --
------------- -------------
Total Liabilities 14,951,045 --
------------- -------------
Commitments and contingencies (Note 10) -- --
Stockholders' Equity (Notes 11 and 12):
Preferred stock, $.001 par value; 1,000,000 authorized; none issued -- --
Common stock; $.01 par value; 20,000,000 shares authorized 80,198 58,875
Additional paid-in capital 17,936,253 11,837,156
Retained earnings (deficit) (1,266,831) 3,110,405
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) 77,670 (125,749)
------------- -------------
16,827,290 14,880,687
Less: Treasury stock, 79,000 shares, at cost -- (532,485)
------------- -------------
Total Stockholders' Equity 16,827,290 14,348,202
------------- -------------
$ 31,778,335 $ 14,348,202
============= =============
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-4
ADVANCED NUTRACEUTICALS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2000, 1999 AND 1998
2000 1999 1998
---- ---- ----
Net sales $ 16,067,889 $ -- $ --
Cost of sales 10,570,347 -- --
------------ ------------ ------------
Gross profit 5,497,542 -- --
General and administrative expenses 4,727,803 628,447 585,639
------------ ------------ ------------
Operating income (loss) 769,739 (628,447) (585,639)
------------ ------------ ------------
Other income (expense):
Interest expense, net (546,373) -- --
Other, net 2,645 -- --
------------ ------------ ------------
(543,728) -- --
------------ ------------ ------------
Income (loss) from continuing operations
before income tax expense 226,011 (628,447) (585,639)
Income tax expense (Note 5) 260,000 -- --
------------ ------------ ------------
Loss from continuing operations (33,989) (628,447) (585,639)
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax (Note 4) (3,970,342) (219,905) (281,817)
------------ ------------ ------------
Net loss $ (4,004,331) $ (848,352) $ (867,456)
------------ ------------ ------------
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized loss on investments, net of tax 45,500 (7,136) (38,364)
Foreign currency translation adjustment 157,919 (2,281) (86,546)
------------ ------------ ------------
203,419 (9,417) (124,910)
------------ ------------ ------------
Total comprehensive loss $ (3,800,912) $ (857,769) $ (992,366)
============ ============ ============
Basic and diluted loss per common share
Loss from continuing operations $ -- $ (0.11) $ (0.10)
Loss from discontinued operations (0.52) (0.04) (0.05)
------------ ------------ ------------
Net loss $ (0.52) $ (0.15) $ (0.15)
============ ============ ============
Weighted average common shares outstanding -
basic and diluted 7,713,750 5,808,595 5,832,887
============ ============ ============
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-5
ADVANCED NUTRACEUTICALS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
FOR THE YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,2000, 1999 AND 1998
Accumulated Other
Comprehensive Income (Loss)
---------------------------
Cumulative
Unrealized Foreign
Preferred Stock Common Stock Additional Retained Loss Currency
----------------- ------------ Paid-In Earnings on Translation
Shares Amount Shares Amount Capital (Deficit) Investment Adjustment
------- ------ ------ ------ ------- -------- ---------- ----------
Balance at
September 30, 1997 -- $ -- 5,775,835 $ 57,758 $10,688,951 $ 5,176,539 $ -- $ 8,578
Net loss -- -- -- -- -- (867,456) -- --
Cash dividends (Note 11) -- -- -- -- -- (350,326) -- --
Purchase of
treasury stock (Note 11) -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Foreign currency
translation adjustment -- -- -- -- -- -- -- (86,546)
Issuance of common
stock options (Note 12) -- -- -- -- 144,705 -- -- --
Registration expenses -- -- -- -- (31,487) -- -- --
Unrealized loss on
investment -- -- -- -- -- -- (38,364) --
Exercise of stock options
and warrants -- -- 111,760 1,117 271,875 -- -- --
-------- ----------- ---------- -------- ----------- ----------- -------- ---------
Balance at
September 30, 1998 -- -- 5,887,595 58,875 11,074,044 3,958,757 (38,364) (77,968)
Net loss -- -- -- -- -- (848,352) -- --
Foreign currency
translation adjustment -- -- -- -- -- -- -- (2,281)
Issuance of common
stock options and
warrants (Note 12) -- -- -- -- 763,112 -- -- --
Unrealized loss on
investments,
net of tax -- -- -- -- -- -- (7,136) --
-------- ----------- --------- -------- ----------- ----------- -------- ---------
Balance at
September 30, 1999 -- -- 5,887,595 58,875 11,837,156 3,110,405 (45,500) (80,249)
Net loss -- -- -- -- -- (4,004,331) -- --
Foreign currency
translation adjustment -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 157,919
Unrealized gain on
investment, net
of tax -- -- -- -- -- -- 45,500 --
Issue preferred
stock 221,127 6,280,000 -- -- -- -- -- --
Convert preferred
stock (221,127) (6,280,000) 2,211,270 22,113 6,257,887 -- -- --
Cancel treasury
stock (Note 11) -- -- (79,000) (790) (158,790) (372,905) -- --
-------- ----------- ---------- -------- ----------- ----------- --------- ---------
Balance at
September 30,2000 -- $ -- 8,019,865 $ 80,198 $17,936,253 $(1,266,831) $ -- $ 77,670
======== =========== ========== ======== =========== =========== ========= =========
Total
Treasury Stock Stockholders'
--------------
Shares Amount Equity
------ ------ ------
Balance at
September 30, 1997 (9,000) $ (73,810) $15,858,016
Net loss -- -- (867,456)
Cash dividends (Note 5) -- -- (350,326)
Purchase of
treasury stock (Note 11) (70,000) (458,675) (458,675)
Foreign currency
translation adjustment -- -- (86,546)
Issuance of common
stock options (Note 6) -- -- 144,705
Registration expenses -- -- (31,487)
Unrealized loss on
investment -- -- (38,364)
Exercise of stock options
and warrants -- -- 272,992
---------- --------- -----------
Balance at
September 30, 1998 (79,000) (532,485) 14,442,859
Net loss -- -- (848,352)
Foreign currency
translation adjustment -- -- (2,281)
Issuance of common
stock options and
warrants (Note 12) -- -- 763,112
Unrealized loss on
investments,
net of tax -- -- (7,136)
----------- --------- -----------
Balance at
September 30, 1999 (79,000) (532,485) 14,348,202
Net loss -- -- (4,004,331)
Foreign currency
translation adjustment -- -- 157,919
Unrealized gain on
investment, net
of tax -- -- 45,500
Issue preferred
stock -- -- 6,280,000
Convert preferred
stock -- -- --
Cancel treasury
stock (Note 11) 79,000 532,485 --
Balance at -------- --------- -----------
September 30, 2000 -- $ -- $16,827,290
======== ========= ===========
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-6
ADVANCED NUTRACEUTICALS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2000, 1999, AND 1998
2000 1999 1998
---- ---- ----
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss) from continuing operations $ (33,989) $ (628,447) $ (585,639)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash
provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 997,875 -- --
Bad Debt Allowance 200,000 -- --
Deferred tax expense (benefit) 78,143 -- --
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Receivables (1,467,971) -- --
Inventories 644,036 -- --
Prepaid and other assets (65,377) -- --
Accounts payable (622,430) -- --
Deferred income (55,556) -- --
Accrued expenses and other liabilities (1,309,255) -- --
----------- ----------- -----------
Net cash flows from continuing operations (1,634,524) (628,447) (585,639)
Net cash flows from discontinued operations 992,261 (1,201,678) 14,891
----------- ----------- -----------
Net cash flows from operating activities (642,263) (1,830,125) (570,748)
----------- ----------- -----------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Acquisition of property and equipment (205,335) -- --
Acquisition of businesses (4,068,875) -- --
Purchase of other assets (18,408) -- --
----------- ----------- -----------
Net cash flows from continuing operations (4,292,618) -- --
Net cash flows from discontinued operations (888,418) 2,249,786 1,420,349
----------- ----------- -----------
Net cash flows from investing activities (5,181,036) 2,249,786 1,420,349
----------- ----------- -----------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net borrowings from credit facility 5,226,000 -- --
Payment of long term debt (200,000) -- --
----------- ----------- -----------
Net cash flows from continuing operations 5,026,000 -- --
Net cash flows from discontinued operations 1,494,040 (419,661) (849,601)
----------- ----------- -----------
Net cash flows from financing activities 6,520,040 (419,661) (849,601)
----------- ----------- -----------
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents 696,741 -- --
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year -- -- --
----------- ----------- -----------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year $ 696,741 $ -- $ --
============ =========== ===========
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-7
ADVANCED NUTRACEUTICALS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1 -- ORGANIZATION, BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Advanced Nutraceuticals, Inc. ("ANI" or the "Company"), a Texas
corporation, was formed during 2000 to become the parent company of Nutrition
For Life International, Inc. ("NFLI"), in a reorganization that was completed as
of March 15, 2000. Under the terms of the reorganization, each outstanding share
of common stock of NFLI issued and outstanding immediately prior to the merger
was converted into one share of ANI's common stock. Also, each outstanding
option, and each outstanding warrant, to purchase shares of NFLI's common stock
was converted into as option or a warrant, as the case may be, to purchase, on
the same terms and conditions, an identical number of shares of ANI's common
stock. ANI operates as a contract manufacturer of nutritional and pharmaceutical
products.
Principles Of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company
and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and
transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Cash And Cash Equivalents
For purposes of reporting cash flows, cash and cash equivalents include
cash on hand and in short-term, interest bearing deposits with original
maturities of three months or less at the time of purchase.
Concentration of Credit Risk
At September 30, 2000 and 1999, the Company's cash in financial
institutions exceeded the federally insured deposit limit by approximately
$1,200,000 and $893,000, of which $400,000 and $ 893,000, was included with net
assets of discontinued operations.
Fair Market Value Of Financial Instruments
The Company's financial instruments include accounts receivable, accounts
payable, and long-term debt. The fair market value of accounts receivable and
accounts payable approximate their carrying values because their maturities are
generally less than one year. Long-term debt obligations are estimated to
approximate their carrying values based upon their stated interest rates.
Marketable Securities
Unrealized holding gains and losses on available for sale securities are
reflected as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income
(loss) until realized, and are encompassed in the discontinued assets of the
business being disposed of. For the purposes of computing realized and
unrealized gains and losses, cost is identified on a specific identification
basis.
Marketable securities are categorized as available-for-sale securities, as
defined by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 115, "Accounting for
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities" and are summarized as
- -------------------------------------------------
follows:
1999
-----------------------------------------
Bond Money-market
funds funds Total
----- ----- -----
Cost $ 732,519 $ 338,923 $1,071,442
Fair Value 658,019 338,923 996,942
---------- ---------- ----------
Gross unrealized loss $ 74,500 $ -- $ 74,500
---------- ========== ==========
The unrealized loss on investments in the amount of $45,500 at September
30, 1999, is net of tax in the amount of $29,000.
F-8
ADVANCED NUTRACEUTICALS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Revenue Recognition
Revenues from the sale of products are recognized upon shipment to the
customer. Management provides an estimated allowance for uncollectable accounts
receivable based upon an assessment of amounts outstanding and evaluation of
specific customer account balances.
The allowance for doubtful accounts at September 30, 2000 of $400,000
resulted from a $200,000 bad debt provision for the year and a $200,000
allowance recorded in connection with the Bactolac acquisition. No allowance was
recorded at September 30, 1999.
Inventories
Inventories are valued primarily at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out
basis) or market.
Property And Equipment
Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation on property and
equipment is provided using the straight-line method over the estimated useful
lives of the assets. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the terms of the
respective leases, not in excess of their estimated useful lives. For income tax
purposes, depreciation on fixed assets is calculated using accelerated methods.
The Company reviews the carrying values of its long-lived assets for
possible impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that
the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable.
Intangible Assets
Intangible assets consist primarily of the excess of cost over net assets
acquired, "goodwill", which is being amortized over its estimated useful life of
20 years. Goodwill is reviewed for impairment in accordance with SFAS 121.
Stock Options and Warrants
The Company accounts for stock options issued to employees in accordance
with APB No.25. During the years ended September 30, 2000, 1999, and 1998, all
options issued to officers and employees were granted at an exercise price
which equaled or exceeded the market price per share at the date of grant and
accordingly, based upon an intrinsic valuation, no compensation expense was
recorded relative to those grants.
The Company has elected to adopt the disclosure requirements of SFAS No.123
"Accounting for Stock-based Compensation". This statement requires that the
---------------------------------------
Company provide proforma information regarding net income (loss) and income
(loss) per share as if compensation cost for the Company's stock options granted
had been determined in accordance with the fair value based method prescribed in
SFAS No. 123 (see Note 12). Additionally, SFAS No. 123 generally requires that
the Company record options issued to non-employees, based on the fair value of
the options.
Income Taxes
The Company recognizes income tax expense using the liability method of
accounting for deferred income taxes. A deferred tax asset or liability is
recorded based upon the tax effect of temporary differences between the tax
bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying value for financial reporting
purposes. Deferred tax expense or benefit is the result of changes in the
deferred tax assets and liabilities during the year. The Company adjusts the
deferred tax asset valuation allowance based upon the anticipated future
realization of the deferred tax benefits supported by demonstrated trends in the
Company's operating results.
Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share
Basic earnings per share includes no dilution and is computed by dividing
net earnings (loss) available to stockholders by the weighted number of common
shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share reflect the
potential dilution of securities that could share in the Company's earnings.
F-9
ADVANCED NUTRACEUTICALS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Weighted average Common Shares outstanding for the year ended September 30,
2000, 1999 and 1998 are 7,713,750, 5,808,595 and 5,832,887, respectively.
Diluted earnings per share for the years ended September 30, 2000, 1999,
and 1998 did not consider the effect of the warrants and options because they
were anti-dilutive.
Management's Estimates And Assumptions
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affects the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated
financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during
the reporting period. The actual results could differ from those estimates.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) 133, Accounting for
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, as amended by SFAS 137,
Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - Deferral of the
Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 133, and SFAS 138, Accounting for Certain
Derivative Instruments and Certain Hedging Activities, will be effective for the
Company's fiscal year ending September 30, 2001. SFAS 133 requires that an
entity record all derivatives on the balance sheet as either assets or
liabilities, measured at fair value. The accounting for changes in the fair
value of a derivative depends on the use of the derivative. Management believes
that the adoption of these statements will not have a significant impact on the
Company's financial position or results of operations.
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) issued Staff Accounting
Bulletin (SAB) 101, Revenue Recognition in Financial Statements, in December
1999. The SAB summarizes certain of the SEC staff's views in applying generally
accepted accounting principles to revenue recognition in financial statements.
In June 2000, the SEC issued SAB 101B, which delays the implementation date of
SAB 101 until no later than the fourth fiscal quarter of fiscal years beginning
after December 15, 1999. The Company does not believe that adoption of this SAB
will have a material impact on its financial statements.
NOTE 2 -- INVENTORIES
Inventories, at September 30, consisted of the following:
2000 1999
-----------------
Finished goods $ 950,138 $ -
Work in process 191,170 -
Raw materials 665,995 -
---------- ----
Total inventories $1,807,303 $ -
========== ====
F-10
ADVANCED NUTRACEUTICALS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 3 - SUBSEQUENT EVENT - SALE OF NFLI
On December 29, 2000, ANI signed a definitive agreement to sell Nutrition
For Life International, Inc., and all of its subsidiaries engaged in the network
marketing business to Everest International, L.L.C., a privately-held entity.
The agreement provides for $5 million in cash at closing subject to a working
capital adjustment and a $5 million prime plus one-half percent note, payable
based upon a ten-year amortization with quarterly payments for three years and
final balloon payment at the end of the third year. In addition, Bactolac
Pharmaceutical, Inc. (a subsidiary of ANI) is entering into a product supply
agreement with Nutrition For Life International, Inc. and will receive a
$650,000 note due one year and a day from closing, relating to an inter-company
debt. The purchase price may also be increased up to an additional $750,000,
depending upon future operating results of Nutrition For Life's recently
established Japanese subsidiary. The transaction is subject to approval by
Advanced Nutraceuticals' stockholders and ANI's senior lender and customary
closing conditions. Closing is anticipated to occur during the quarter ended
March 31, 2001.
NOTE 4 - DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
On December 29, 2000, the Company's Board of Directors approved, and a
definitive agreement was signed for the sale of NFLI to Everest International,
L.L.C., a privately held entity. NFLI develops products that are designed for
health-conscious consumers, and sells those products to consumers through its
network of independent distributors. As a result of the agreement to sell NFLI,
the Company's consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto have
been restated to present the operations of NFLI as discontinued operations.
Closing of the transaction is anticipated to occur during the quarter ended
March 31, 2001. NFLI is not expected to incur any significant losses from
September 30, 2000 through closing and the sale is not expected to result in a
loss to ANI.
Certain information with respect to discontinued operations of NFLI is as
follows:
2000 1999 1998
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net sales $ 55,440,424 $ 66,569,875 $ 69,658,095
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost of sales 38,637,997 44,742,050 47,939,482
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gross profit 16,802,427 21,827,825 21,718,613
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating expenses 21,170,883 21,701,467 20,435,417
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other income (expense) (498,337) 210,737 (774,963)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Loss before income tax benefit (4,866,793) 337,095 508,233
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income tax expense (benefit) 896,451 557,000 790,050
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Loss from discontinued operations $ (3,970,342) $ (219,905) $ (281,817)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets of NFLI are as follows:
As of September 30,
------------------------------
2000 1999
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Current assets, primarily inventories $ 7,482,126 $ 13,885,166
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Noncurrent assets, primarily equipment and software 5,443,561 7,756,654
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total assets 12,925,687 21,641,820
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Current liabilities, primarily accounts payable and accruals 6,429,196 6,634,899
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Noncurrent liabilities 1,153,124 1,257,719
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total liabilities 7,582,320 7,892,618
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets of NFLI 5,343,367 13,749,202
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Additional information concerning the historical transactions and operations of
the discontinued operating segment are summarized as follows:
a. Significant adjustments
F-11
During the third quarter of the year ended September 30, 2000, expense
adjustments totaling approximately $ 1,673,000 were recorded, of which
approximately $1,150,000 was recorded to cost of sales for non-recurring
writedowns of certain outdated literature and sales aids inventory and certain
inventory located outside the continental United States. The remainder was a
writedown in the carrying value of NFLI's audio production rights. Aggregate
year end adjustments recorded in the fourth quarter of fiscal year ended
September 30, 1999, included an inventory write down of $350,000, a write down
of assets of Nutrition For Life International Philippines, Inc. ("RP") of
$350,000, and a bad debts write-off of $250,000. As a result of the discontinued
operations presentation, these amounts are included in the loss from
discontinued operations.
b. Employment Agreements
Effective October 1, 1996, NFLI entered into employment agreements with its
chief executive officer and its executive vice-president through September 30,
1999. On November 1, 1999, each of the employment agreements was extended until
October 30, 2000. Under the agreements, both individuals will receive their
annual salary, plus 5% of pre-tax income from $3,000,000 to $5,000,000, 4% of
the next $5,000,000 of pretax income, and 3% of the next $10,000,000 of pretax
income. No bonuses were paid to these individuals for any of the years ended
September 30, 2000, 1999 or 1998 as NFLI did not achieve sufficient pretax
income in these years. In March 1998, each of these individuals agreed to a 25%
reduction in their annual salaries. Concurrent with the salary reduction each
individual was granted a three year option, pursuant to the Company's 1995 Stock
Option Plan, to purchase up to 20,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock at
$5.13 per share, the closing price of the Company's Common Stock on the date of
the grant. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2000, by mutual agreement between
the individuals and the Company, the employment agreements were terminated.
c. Cruise Expense Adjustment
During the year ended September 30, 1998, NFLI paid $833,026 representing
payment of all obligations related to a cruise, which had been approved and
accrued for in the amount of $1.2 million during the year ended September 30,
1997. The $362,124 of over-accrued cost of the cruise is reflected as a
reduction in loss from discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated
financial statements for the year ended September 30, 1998.
d. Purchase Commitment
In July 1998, the NFLI entered into a three-year supply agreement with
VitaRich Laboratories, Inc. ("VitaRich") in which the NFLI agreed to advance
VitaRich up to $800,000 to secure the purchase of a sufficient quantity of
certain nutritional supplement raw materials to meet NFLI's anticipated need for
rapid delivery of product and to obtain such product at discounted prices.
NFLI made an initial deposit of $400,000 to VitaRich and VitaRich is
required to use such deposited amounts for the purchase of raw material and the
processing of finished product in sufficient kinds and quantifies to enable the
NFLI to (i) meet its anticipated need for the product, (ii) maximize the costs
savings to VitaRich and provide the NFLI with reduced prices through the
purchase of bulk quantities of raw materials, and (iii) enable VitaRich to meet
NFLI's rapid delivery requirements.
Under the terms of the supply agreement, after the third year VitaRich is
required to repay any outstanding deposits by crediting NFLI with an amount
equal to 10% of each purchase order placed by NFLI until such time as all
advances have been repaid. NFLI has a first priority security interest in all of
VitaRich's interest in the inventory, warehouse receipts, documents of title,
accounts receivable and proceeds of insurance related to the raw materials
purchased by VitaRich on behalf of NFLI. As of September 30, 2000, the NFLI had
advanced VitaRich a total of $ 400,000, of which $ 136,541 has been repaid.
e. Related Party Transactions
During 1998, 1999 and 2000, respectively, the NFLI purchased approximately
41,000, 32,000 and 30,000 copies of a book, "Making A Difference While You're
---------------------------------
Making A Living", written by its CEO, David P. Bertrand and his son J. Mark
- ----------------
Bertrand, also an employee of the Company, at a cost to NFLI of $5.00 per book.
New Paradigm Publishing, a company established by J. Mark Bertrand, published
the book and subsequently sold it to NFLI. NFLI sold approximately 19,000,
10,000 and 3,000 copies of the book during 2000, 1999 and 1998, at an average
selling price of approximately $10.95 per copy. The book has been placed in
NFLI's product catalog at per copy prices ranging from $8.95 to $12.95, based
upon quantity ordered, and in 1999 approximately 35,000 of the books were part
of the materials provided to new distributors in NFLI's starter kits.
Additionally, in 1998, approximately 19,000 copies of the book were shipped to
distributors as part of the NFLI's Business Training Systems for that month. New
Paradigm Publishing has agreed to accept return of any books ordered, but not
sold by NFLI and to refund to the Company $5.00 per returned copy. To date no
books have been returned for refund. The Company's Board of Directors
unanimously approved the purchase of the aforementioned books. As of September
30, 2000 and 1999, $105,000 and $0, respectively were owed by the Company to New
Paradigm Publishing.
F-12
ADVANCED NUTRACEUTICALS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The Company has purchased products from a vendor that until October 1997, a
director of the Company was the president (or a consultant) of the vendor, and
until June 1995, a major stockholder of the Company owned the vendor. The items
purchased are readily available from other vendors. During the years ended
September 30, 2000, 1999 and 1998, respectively, the Company purchased $ -0-,
$-0- and $494,000 of goods from this vendor.
f. Agreement and Contract Termination
Effective October 24, 1997, NFLI entered into an eight year exclusivity in
network marketing agreement with a significant distributor, Mr. Kevin Trudeau,
in which the Company agreed to pay Mr. Trudeau a percentage, as defined in the
agreement, of gross revenues of NFLI.
In August 1998, NFLI and Mr. Trudeau entered into an agreement to terminate
the October 1997 agreement and to end the Company's business relationship and
distributorship with Mr. Trudeau. Additionally, as part of the agreement, the
Company agreed to purchase the approximate 70,000 shares of common stock and
40,000 stock purchase warrants then owned by Mr. Trudeau, which was completed in
September 1998 for approximately $459,000.
In July 1996, NFLI entered into a fifteen-year Administrative and
Consulting Services Agreement (the "1996 Agreement") with Distributor Services,
L.L.C. ("DS"). DS is an affiliate of Nightingale-Conant ("NC"), at the time a
major supplier to NFLI of self-improvement programs. The 1996 Agreement provided
that, with limited exceptions , DS had the exclusive right to produce and sell
all of NFLI's recruiting and training material and recruiting and promotional
events. Such materials and events were to be produced and marketed at the
expense of DS and DS was entitled to all revenues received from sales of such
materials and events.
For a fee, DS also produced and provided to NFLI specified master cassettes
for sale by NFLI. Kevin Trudeau, formerly a key distributor of NFLI's products,
was principally responsible for DS's performance in connection with the 1996
Agreement.
Associated with the termination of Kevin Trudeau's distributorship in
August 1998, NFLI, DS and NC agreed to terminate the 1996 Agreement in October
1998. The Company agreed to pay NC and DS $2,047,000 and to issue to NC a
warrant to purchase up to 290,000 shares of the Company's common stock at $5.50
per share at any time until October 31, 2003, in satisfaction of all accounts
payable and other amounts claimed by them for materials previously delivered to
NFLI , as well as for the purchase of all of DS's inventory of audio and video
tapes, including all of the audio production rights for such audio and video
tapes, and other materials used to promote NFLI , and for cancellation of the
remaining term of the 1996 Agreement.
Approximately $967,000 of the amount was paid upon execution of the
agreement in October 1998 with the balance of $1,080,000 represented by a
promissory note payable in 30 equal monthly payments, which has a remaining
balance of $ 316,489 as of September 30, 2000.
The Company accounted for the transactions as of September 30, 1998. The
amount paid for the audio production rights was approximately $1,400,000, which
was amortized over a period of three-years. Expense relative to the warrants
issued to NC was determined by utilizing the Black-Scholes method to be
approximately $702,000.
NC also agreed that for a five year period it would not directly or
indirectly seek to acquire a controlling interest, as defined under the rules
and regulations promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission, in the
Company without the prior written consent of the Company's Board of Directors.
g. Foreign Sales
For the years ended September 30, 2000, and 1999, 1998, the Company's net
sales from foreign operations were approximately $ 10,358,000, $8,600,000, and
$9,000,000, respectively, including sales to customers in Canada totaling
approximately $ 3,600,000, $3,100,000, and $4,800,000, respectively. The gross
profit percentages on all foreign sales are consistent with the Company's
overall gross profit percentages, however exchange rate fluctuations could have
an impact on the Company's future gross profit margins. Information related to
the Company's domestic and international operations is as follows:
F-13
ADVANCED NUTRACEUTICALS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
-------------------------
(In thousands)
2000 1999 1998
---- ---- ----
Sales to unaffiliated customers:
North America (1) $46,432 $61,047 $65,387
United Kingdom 4,156 4,690 3,533
Philippines 582 833 738
Japan 2,020 -- --
Sales or transfers between geographic areas:
North America -- -- --
United Kingdom 742 1,007 622
Philippines 145 104 290
Japan -- -- --
Operating profit (loss):
North America (3,051) 861 1,937
United Kingdom (1,297) (855) (959)
Philippines (300) (508) (280)
Japan (668) -- --
Identifiable assets:
North America 11,200 25,789 29,635
United Kingdom 1,292 1,680 1,435
Philippines -- 314 883
Japan 472 -- --
(1) Includes the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico.
NOTE 5 -- INCOME TAXES
Deferred income taxes are determined based on the temporary differences
between the financial statement and income tax basis of assets and liabilities
as measured by the enacted tax rates, which are estimated to be in effect when
these differences reverse.
The (benefit) provision for income taxes for the years ended September 30,
2000, 1999 and 1998 consisted of the following:
2000 1999 1998
---- ---- ----
Federal tax (benefit) - current $ -- $ -- $ --
Federal tax (benefit) - deferred 205,000 -- --
State tax 55,000 -- --
-------- -------- --------
$260,000 $ -- $ --
======== ======== ========
The following reconciles federal income taxes (benefit) computed at the
statutory rate with income taxes as reported for the years ended September 30:
2000 1999 1998
---- ---- ----
Expected income tax (benefit) expense at 34% $ 77,000 $ -- $ --
State taxes, net of federal benefit 55,000 -- --
Non deductible goodwill 125,000 -- --
Other items, net 3,000 -- --
--------- -------- --------
Income tax expense (benefit) $ 260,000 $ -- $ --
========= ======== ========
F-14
ADVANCED NUTRACEUTICALS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Deferred tax assets and liabilities consisted of the following net tax effects
of operating losses and temporary differences between the carrying amounts of
assets and liabilities for financial reporting and tax purposes at September 30,
2000 and 1999:
2000 1999
---- ----
Assets
------
Loss carryforwards $1,215,000 $ 599,000
Inventory valuation write-offs 155,000 --
Receivables allowance for doubtful accounts 160,000 --
---------- ----------
--
Deferred tax assets $1,530,000 $ 599,000
========== ==========
Liability 2000 1999
--------- ---- ----
Fixed Assets $2,962,000 $ -
========== =========
At September 30, 2000, the Company had a net operating loss carry forward of
approximately $1,650,000 which expires primarily in 2019. Additionally, the
Company has obtained net operating losses of approximately $1.9 million which
expire primarily in 2011 and are subject to annual usage limitations.
For the year ended September 30, 1997, the Company recorded a federal income
tax receivable of $659,111 from an overpayment of taxes. Of this receivable,
approximately $459,000 was refunded during the year ended September 30, 1998 and
$200,000 remained a receivable as of September 30, 1998 and was received during
the year ended September 30, 1999.
NOTE 6 -- PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Property and equipment and their estimated useful lives are summarized
as follows:
September 30,
-------------
Lives 2000 1999
----- ---- ----
Land $1,763,567 $ --
Building and improvements 15 2,606,509 -
Equipment 7 5,572,944 _
Leasehold improvements 5 8,238 _
Furniture and fixtures 5-10 34,717 _
---------- -------
9,985,975 _
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization (529,263) -
---------- -------
$9,456,712 $ -
========== =======
NOTE 7 -- ACQUISITIONS
On November 17, 1999 the Company finalized the acquisitions of Bactolac
Pharmaceutical Inc. ("Bactolac") and Advanced Nutraceuticals, Inc., a Delaware
corporation ("Old - ANI"). Old - ANI was a holding company formed to pursue a
consolidation and integration program in the nutrition industry. Former Old -
ANI stockholders received an aggregate of 75,000 shares of a newly created
Series A Preferred Stock of the Company, which was converted into 750,000 shares
of the Company's common stock upon approval by the Company's stockholders at the
Company's Annual Meeting held June 6, 2000.
F-15
ADVANCED NUTRACEUTICALS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Bactolac, headquartered in Hauppauge, New York, manufactures nutritional
supplements for private labeled customers. The purchase price of Bactolac
consisted of $2,500,000 in cash, a subordinated promissory note in the principal
amount of $2,500,000 and 96,831 shares of Series A Preferred Stock, which were
converted into 968,310 shares of the Company's common stock upon approval by the
Company's stockholders at the Company's Annual Meeting held June 6, 2000.
Additionally, up to 176,060 shares of common stock may be issued pursuant to an
earn out agreement. Bactolac entered into an employment agreement and covenant
not to compete agreement with its former owner at the closing on November
17,1999. The Company intends to continue to operate Bactolac and to use its
inventory, machinery and equipment in connection with the manufacture of
nutritional supplements.
On December 1, 1999, the Company finalized the acquisition of Ash Corp. ("ASH")
as a division of Bactolac. The purchase price of ASH consisted of $750,000 in
cash, a note payable in the amount of $500,000 and 49,296 shares of Series A
Preferred Stock, which were converted into 492,960 shares of the Company's
common stock upon approval by the Company's stockholders at the Company's Annual
Meeting held June 6, 2000. Additionally, up to 1,056,340 shares of common stock
may be issued pursuant to an earn out agreement. The Company intends to continue
the operations of ASH and to use its inventory, machinery and equipment in
connection with the manufacture of liquid pharmaceutical and nutraceutical
products. In the fourth quarter ended September 30, 2000, Bayer Corporation
informed the Company that it decided to internally produce most of the products
produced by the Company for Bayer. Bayer Accounted for 31% of the Company's
Consolidated sales for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2000 (from continuing
operations) while generating 15% of the company's consolidated gross profit.
Financing for the acquisitions was provided primarily through a financing
arrangement entered into on November 17, 1999 with General Electric Capital
Corporation (the "GECC"). The acquisitions have been accounted for using the
purchase method of accounting, and accordingly, the operating results of the
acquired companies have been included in the accompanying consolidated financial
statements from their dates of acquisition. The purchase price for the
acquisitions, including the equivalent common stock issued which was valued at
its market price of $2.84 per share, has been allocated to the assets purchased
and the liabilities assumed based upon their fair values at the acquisition
dates. The excess of the purchase price over the net assets acquired was
approximately $9,690,000 and has been recorded as goodwill, which is being
amortized on a straight-line basis over twenty years.
The following proforma information presents a summary of consolidated results
of operations of the Company as if the acquisitions discussed above had occurred
at the beginning of the years ended September 30, 2000 and 1999, and include
certain proforma adjustments for amortization of the goodwill, additional
depreciation expense as a result of the step-up in the basis of fixed assets and
increased interest expense on the acquisition debt. The proforma financial
information is not necessarily indicative of the results of operations which
actually would have resulted had the acquisitions been effected on the assumed
dates or of future results of the combined entities.
Year Ended September 30,
2000 1999
---------------------
Net sales $18,762 $19,296
Net loss (4,378) (1,119)
Net loss per share $ (.52) $ (.14)
NOTE 8 - CREDIT FACILITY
To provide financing for the acquisitions during the current year, and to
provide working capital for the entire Company, ANI entered into a three-year
Loan and Security Agreement (the "Agreement") with General Electric Capital
Corporation ("GECC") as of November 17 1999. The Agreement provides for a
$12,000,000 revolving credit line based upon eligible trade accounts receivable
and allowable inventories as defined under the terms of the Agreement.
Additionally, there is a $2,360,000 term loan facility, with principal payable
$49,167, monthly over the remaining term of the Agreement. Interest on amounts
outstanding under the Agreement is payable monthly based upon GECC's index rate
plus one-half percent. The loan facility is secured by substantially all of the
assets of ANI and its subsidiaries. As of September 30, 2000, there was $
4,652,789 outstanding under the revolving credit line and $ 1,937,293
outstanding under the term loan facility. Of these amounts, $ 1,142,630 related
to the revolving credit line and $ 220,375 related to the term loan, are
included with net assets of discontinued operations on the consolidated balance
sheet, as under the terms of the sale, the purchaser is required to repay or
assume such amounts. The Agreement contains a number of covenants, which
include among other items, maintenance of specified minimum net worth and fixed
charge ratio, as well as limitations on capital expenditures. At September 30,
2000, the Company was not in compliance with the covenants regarding minimum net
worth and fixed charge ratio under the Agreement and a waiver has been obtained
from GECC. Due to the fact that ANI was not in compliance with the terms of the
Agreement, and GECC's waiver did not extend beyond one year, the entire amount
outstanding under the Agreement has been classified as a current liability on
the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2000. The
Company is attempting to amend its credit agreement and believes based on its
discussion with such lenders that it will be successful in such efforts.
F-16
ADVANCED NUTRACEUTICALS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The Agreement was amended as of November 30, 1999, to provide for the
acquisition of ASHCO, and again as of March 9, 2000, to provide for the
reorganization of NFLI into the new holding company, ANI. The Company has begun
discussions with GECC concerning an additional amendment to the Agreement to be
accomplished between now and closing of the NFLI sale, to address the agreed
upon sale of NFLI and to achieve mutually acceptable compliance conditions. If
the Company is not successful in its efforts to amend the Agreement, it will
have adverse effects on the Company's business, financial condition and
operations.
NOTE 9 - STOCK PURCHASE NOTES AND MORTGAGE
As a result of the acquisitions of Bactolac and ASHCO, during the first
quarter of the Company's fiscal year, the Company entered into purchase notes
with certain of the selling stockholders and assumed, through Bactolac, a
$1,456,360, mortgage obligation of the ASHCO facility. Following is a summary
of such obligations as of September 30, 2000:
Stock purchase note arising from purchase of Bactolac (a) $2,500,000
Stock purchase notes arising from purchase of ASHCO (b) 500,000
Mortgage obligation on ASHCO facility (c) 1,350,053
----------
Total 4,350,053
Less current portion 2,850,053
----------
Long-term portion $1,500,000
==========
(a) The Bactolac stock purchase note is subordinate to the GECC facility
and bears interest at 7%, and with the approval of GECC, is payable
$1,000,000, on the first anniversary of the acquisition, $1,000,000,
on the second anniversary, and $500,000 on the third anniversary. The
holder of the note has agreed to extend the payment of the first
installment for six months or until the closing of the NFLI sale
transaction.
(b) The ASHCO stock purchase notes are subordinate to the GECC facility
and bear interest at 7%, and subject to the approval of GECC, were
payable December 29, 2000.
(c) In connection with the ASHCO acquisition as a division of Bactolac,
Bactolac entered into a loan assumption agreement for an ASHCO
mortgage obligation. The obligation bears interest at prime plus 2%,
and is secured by the ASHCO land and building. The assumption
agreement was originally due May 15, 2000, and the holder has agreed
to three amendment agreements which extended the due date to
December 31, 2000. Management of the Company is currently having
discussions with the holder concerning an additional extension. Should
the holder not agree to an extension, or an alternative loan facility
not be obtained, it would have adverse effects on the Company's
business, financial condition and operations.
NOTE 10 -- COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
401(k) Plan
In July 1998 the Company established the Nutrition for Life 401(k) Plan and
Trust (the "Plan") which covers all of the Company's full-time employees who are
United States citizens, at least 21 years of age and have completed one quarter
of service with the Company. Pursuant to the plan, employees may elect to reduce
their current compensation by up to the statutorily prescribed annual limit and
have the amount of such reduction contributed to the Plan. The Plan provides for
discretionary contributions by the Company. As of September 30, 2000, the
Company has made no such discretionary contributions.
Operating Leases
The Company has noncancelable operating leases, primarily for office, warehouse
space and equipment. Rental expense under operating leases for the years ended
September 30, 2000, 1999 and 1998 amounted to approximately $ 200,000, $-0-,
and $-0-, respectively. The Bactolac lease is with Shilpa-Saketh Realty, Inc.,
an entity owned by a member of the Company's Board of Directors.
F-17
ADVANCED NUTRACEUTICALS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Future minimum rental payments required under operating leases that have an
initial or remaining non-cancelable lease term in excess of one year are as
follows:
Year Ending September 30,
------------------------
2001 $ 307,000
2002 312,000
2003 317,000
2004 323,000
2005 218,000
----------
$1,477,000
==========
Government Regulations
The Company's activities are subject to regulations by various federal and
state agencies, including the Food and Drug Administration (the "FDA"). The
Company believes that it is in compliance with all federal and state
regulations. However, the Company cannot predict whether new legislation
regulating its activities will be enacted, which could have a material adverse
effect on the Company.
NOTE 11 -- PREFERRED AND COMMON STOCK
In connection with the acquisitions which were consumated during the first
quarter of the fiscal year ended September 30, 2000, the Board of Directors
established a Series A Preferred Stock. The Series A Preferred Stock is $.001
par value with 1,000,000 shares authorized. Following the stockholders approval
for the conversion (on a ten-for-one basis) of the 221,127 shares of Series A
Preferred Stock, into 2,211,270 shares of common stock, no Series A preferred
shares remain outstanding. The Series A preferred shares had a $28.40 per share
liquidation preference on any distribution over the holders of the common stock.
During the year ended September 30, 1998 the Company's Board of Directors
declared cash dividends totaling $350,326,of which $466,124 was paid during the
year ended September 30, 1998. No dividends have been declared or paid on the
Company's common stock subsequent to June 1998.
The Company's Board of Directors during the fiscal year 2000 approved the
retirement of 79,000 shares of common stock previously held in treasury.
NOTE 12 -- STOCK OPTIONS AND WARRANTS
1993 Plan
The Company's Board of Directors approved the 1993 Stock Option Plan (the
"1993 Plan") providing for a total of 282,000 shares of common stock to be
reserved for the grant of options to purchase the Company's common stock. At
September 30, 2000, there were 220,946 shares reserved for the grant of
options under the 1993 plan. Generally, one-third of the shares underlying the
options become exercisable in cumulative installments of 12 months, 24 months
and 36 months after the date of grant. The maximum term of the options is 10
years, except that if an employee leaves the Company, the options will terminate
30 days thereafter. The issuance of options is at the discretion of the
Company's Board of Directors.
1995 Discretionary Plan
The Company's Board of Directors approved the 1995 Stock Option Plan (the
"1995 Plan") in March 1995, as amended in June 1996, April 1999 and June 2000
providing for a total of 2,085,000 shares of common stock to be reserved for the
grant of options to purchase Common Stock of the Company. The terms of the
options are similar to those of the 1993 Plan. At September 30, 2000, there were
764,661 shares reserved for the grant of options under the 1995 plan.
F-18
ADVANCED NUTRACEUTICALS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1995 Non-Discretionary Plan
In November 1995, the Company adopted the 1995 Non-Discretionary Stock Option
Plan for non-employee directors of the Company who are not eligible to
participate in the other Plans (the "Non-Discretionary Plan"). The Non-
Discretionary Plan provides that the Company grant options to purchase 5,000
shares of the Company's common stock to each person who thereafter becomes a
director of the Company and, as of December 1, of each year (commencing in
1996), options to purchase an additional 5,000 shares of common stock will be
granted to each eligible director. The exercise price of the options is the fair
value of the common stock at the date of grant of the options. The options
expire in five years and are exercisable in full at the date of grant. During
the years ended September 30, 1998 and 1997, the Company issued 15,000 options
to Directors under this plan. The Non-Discretionary Plan was cancelled
on October 6, 1999.
Options and Warrants Issued in Public Offering
In connection with a public offering, the Company issued 920,000 stock
warrants. Each warrant entitles the holder to purchase one share of common stock
at a price of $3.75. The Company's Board of Directors has extended the warrant
expiration date to April 30, 2001. The Company has the right to call all of the
warrants for redemption on 30 days written notice at a redemption price of $.05
per warrant, subject to certain defined criteria. In addition, the Company
issued warrants to underwriters to purchase 80,000 shares of the Company's
common stock at $3.75 and options to purchase 160,000 shares of the Company's
common stock at $3.23.
Other Warrants
In April 1998, the Company retained the services of Piedmont Consulting, Inc.,
("Piedmont") a public/investor relations firm, to assist in its efforts to gain
a broader investor following. As compensation for its services Piedmont was paid
a monthly retainer and was granted a three year warrant entitling it to purchase
up to 30,000 shares of the Company's common stock at $5.25 per share and 40,000
shares at $7.00 per share. In July 1998 the Company terminated its relationship
with Piedmont. Pursuant to the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards No.
123 "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation", the Company recognized
approximately $144,705 as compensation expense related to the warrants in the
year ended September 30,1998.
In October 1998, the Company issued a warrant to Nightingale Conant to
purchase up to 290,000 shares of the Company's common stock at $5.50 per share.
The warrant is exercisable at any time until October 31, 2003, and is entitled
to the benefit of adjustment of the exercise price and number of shares
deliverable upon exercise thereof in the event of certain specified dilutive
transactions. Expense of $702,000 has been recorded in the accompanying
September 30, 1998 consolidated financial statements.
SFAS NO. 123 Pro Forma Computation
The Company estimates the fair value of each stock option at the grant date by
using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted average
assumptions used for grants in 2000, 1999 and 1998, a dividend yield of 0%, 0%
and 1%; a risk-free interest rate of 5.5%, 5.0%, 5.7%; an expected life ranging
from 5-10 years; and an expected volatility of 107%, 92% and 67%, respectively.
Had compensation cost been determined on the basis of fair value pursuant to
SFAS No. 123 for stock options issued to employees, net income (loss) and
earnings (loss) per share for years ended September 30, 2000, 1999 and 1998
would have been reduced as follows:
2000 1999 1998
---- ---- ----
Net loss:
As reported $ (4,004,331) $ (848,352) $ (867,456)
============ =========== ===========
Pro forma $ (4,695,866) $(1,172,062) $(1,063,456)
============ =========== ===========
Basic and diluted (loss) per share:
As reported $ (.52) $ (.15) $ (.15)
============ =========== ===========
Pro forma $ (.61) $ (.20) $ (.18)
============ =========== ===========
F-19
ADVANCED NUTRACEUTICALS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The following is a summary of the status of option and warrant plans during the
years ended September 30:
Options Warrants
------- --------
Weighted Weighted
Number Average Number Average
of Exercise of Exercise
Shares Price Shares Price
------ ----- ------ -----
Outstanding as of September 30, 1997 608,130 $ 7.38 464,263 $3.75
Granted 80,000 $ 5.67 70,000 $5.25
Exercised (97,400) $ 2.27 (13,160) $3.75
Forfeited (73,233) $11.31 -- --
Cancelled (12,417) $11.56 -- --
--------- --------
Outstanding as of September 30, 1998 505,080 $ 7.39 521,103 $3.84
--------- --------
Granted 205,000 $ 2.95 290,000 $5.50
Exercised -- -- -- --
Forfeited (7,200) $13.00 -- --
Cancelled (3,000) $13.00 -- --
--------- ---------
Outstanding as of September 30, 1999 699,880 $ 6.01 811,103 $4.59
--------- ---------
Granted 839,871 $ 2.65 -- --
Exercised -- -- -- --
Forfeited (106,332) $ 3.09 -- --
Cancelled (114,000) $ 2.35 -- --
--------- -------
Outstanding as of September 30, 2000 1,319,419 $ 4.48 811,103 $4.59
========= ========
Exercisable as of September 30,
1998 362,548 $ 5.83 521,103 $3.84
1999 441,615 $ 6.58 811,103 $4.59
2000 458,543 $ 7.87 811,103 $4.59
Weighted average fair value of grants
during the year ended September 30,
1998 $ 2.59 $3.35
1999 $ 2.65 $2.42
2000 $ 2.32 $ --
====== =====
F-20
ADVANCED NUTRACEUTICALS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Following is a summary of the status of the options and warrants outstanding at
September 30, 2000:
Options and Warrants Outstanding Options and Warrants Exercisable
-------------------------------- ---------------------------------
Weighted-Average
Remaining
Range of Contractual Life Weighted-Average Weighted-Average
Exercise Prices Number (years) Exercise Price Number Exercise Price
--------------- ------ ------- -------------- ------ --------------
$0.00 - $ 1.98 40,500 4.4 $ 1.88 40,500 $ 1.88
1.98 - 3.95 997,452 8.6 2.68 136,576 2.70
3.95 - 5.93 56,667 5.3 5.31 56,667 5.31
5.93 - 7.90 15,000 2.2 7.00 15,000 7.00
7.90 - 9.88 20,000 3.4 9.00 20,000 9.00
9.88 - 11.85 10,000 6.1 11.50 10,000 11.50
11.85 - 13.83 139,800 5.3 12.93 139,800 12.93
13.83 - 15.80 25,000 5.6 14.25 25,000 14.25
15.80 - 17.78 0 0 0 0 0
17.78 - 19.75 15,000 .2 19.75 15,000 19.75
--------- --- ------ --------- ------
1,319,419 7.7 $ 4.48 458,543 $ 7.87
========= === ====== ========= ======
NOTE 13 - SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
2000 1999 1998
---- ---- ----
Supplemental disclosure of noncash financing activities:
Purchase of property and equipment under
capital lease $ -- $ -- $ 43,192
Settlement of Nightingale-Conant contract:
Purchase of audio production rights $ -- $ -- $1,400,000
Issuance of long-term debt $ -- $ -- $ 949,000
Net increase in liabilities $ -- $ -- $ 451,000
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Federal and state income taxes paid $ -- $ -- $ --
Interest paid $540,000 $128,900 $ --
F-21
PART III
ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(a)(1) and (2) See Item 8.
(3) Exhibits
Exhibit 2.1 Agreement and Plan of Reorganization, filed as a Exhibit to
the Registration Statement on Form S-4 (file no. 33-70312),
which Exhibit is incorporated herein by this reference.
Exhibit 2.2 Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of November 5, 1999,
among Nutrition For Life International, Inc., Advanced
Nutraceuticals, Inc., BPI Acquisition Company, Bactolac
Pharmaceutical Inc. and Pailla M. Reddy, filed as an Exhibit to
the Report on Form 8-K, filed on December 2, 1999, which Exhibit
is incorporated herein by this reference.
Exhibit 2.3 Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of October 20, 1999,
among Nutrition For Life International, Inc., Advanced
Nutraceuticals, Inc., NL Acquisition Company, Gregory Pusey and
Barry C. Loder, filed as an Exhibit to the Report on Form 8-K,
filed on December 2, 1999, which Exhibit is incorporated herein
by this reference.
Exhibit 2.4 Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of October 25, 1999,
among Nutrition For Life International, Inc., Advanced
Nutraceuticals, Inc., AC Acquisition Company, Allan I. Sirkin
and Neil Sirkin (the "Ash Merger Agreement"), filed as an
Exhibit to the Report on Form 8-K, filed on December 15, 1999,
which Exhibit is incorporated herein by this reference.
Exhibit 2.5 Amendment to Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated November
24, 1999, to the Ash Merger Agreement, filed as an Exhibit to
the Report on Form 8-K, filed on December 15, 1999, which
Exhibit is incorporated herein by this reference.
Exhibit 2.6 Agreement and Plan of Merger dated March 13, 2000 among
Nutrition For Life International, Inc., Advanced Nutraceuticals,
Inc. and NFLI Merger Sub, Inc., filed as an Exhibit to the
Report on Form 8-K, filed on March 21, 2000, which Exhibit is
incorporated herein by reference.
Exhibit 3.1 Articles of Incorporation of Nutrition For Life International,
Inc., as amended*
Exhibit 3.2 Bylaws of Nutrition For Life International, Inc., filed as
an Exhibit to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 (file no.
33-70312), which Exhibit is incorporated herein by this
reference.
Exhibit 3.3 Articles of Incorporation of Advanced Nutraceuticals, Inc.,
filed as an Exhibit to the Report on Form 8-K, filed on March
21, 2000, which Exhibit is incorporated herein by this reference
Exhibit 3.4 Bylaws of Advanced Nutraceuticals, Inc., filed as an Exhibit
to the Report on Form 8-K, filed on March 21, 2000, which
Exhibit is incorporated herein by this reference
Exhibit 4.1 Specimen Certificate of Nutrition for Life International,
Inc.'s Common Stock*
Exhibit 4.2 Specimen Warrant*
Exhibit 4.3 Warrant Agreement with Corporate Stock Transfer, Inc.*
Exhibit 4.4 Statement Establishing a Series of Shares (Series A Preferred
Stock), filed as an Exhibit to the Report on Form 8-K, filed on
December 2, 1999, which Exhibit is incorporated herein by this
reference.
Exhibit 10.1 1993 Stock Option Plan, filed as an Exhibit to the
Registration Statement on Form S-4 (file no. 33-70312), which
Exhibit is incorporated herein by this reference*
Exhibit 10.2 1995 Stock Option Plan, as amended
Exhibit 10.11 Agreement, dated March 3, 1995, between Nutrition for Life
International, Inc. and Shermfin Corp.*
Exhibit 10.15 Lease Agreements for office and warehouse facilities with non-
affiliates, filed as an Exhibit to the Report on Form 10-KSB
for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1995 of the
Registrant, which Exhibit is incorporated herein by this
reference.
Exhibit 10.16 1995 Non-Discretionary Stock Option Plan, filed as an Exhibit
to the Report on Form 10-KSB for the fiscal year ended
September 30, 1995 of the Registrant, which Exhibit is
incorporated herein by this reference.
Exhibit 10.17 Assurance of Voluntary Compliance for the State of Illinois,
dated July 16, 1996, filed on July 31, 1996 as an Exhibit to
the Report on Form 8-K, which Exhibit is incorporated herein
by this reference.
Exhibit 10.18 Administrative and Consulting Services Agreement, dated July
29, 1996, between Distributor Services, L.L.C. and Nutrition
For Life International, Inc.*
Exhibit 10.19 Form of Distributor Agreement of Nutrition For Life
International, Inc.*
Exhibit 10.22 Agreement, effective October 24, 1997, among K. T. Corp.,
Kevin Trudeau and Registrant, filed as an Exhibit to the
Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30,
1997 of the Registrant which Exhibit is incorporated herein by
this reference.
Exhibit 10.23 Agreement, dated August 19, 1998, among the Registrant, Kevin
Trudeau and K. T. Corp., filed as an Exhibit to the Report on
Form 8-K filed on August 21, 1998, which Exhibit is
incorporated herein by this reference.
Exhibit 10.23.1 Settlement Agreement and Release, dated October 27, 1998,
among the Registrant, Kevin Trudeau and K. T. Corp. filed as
an Exhibit to the Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year
ended September 30, 1998, which Exhibit is incorporated herein
by this reference.
Exhibit 10.24 Settlement and Release Agreement, dated October 30, 1998,
among the Registrant, Distributor Services, L.L.C., Tru-
Vantage International, L.L.C., Maximum Impact, L.L.C. and
Nightingale-Conant Corporation, filed as an Exhibit to the
Report on Form 8-K filed on November 13, 1998, which Exhibit
is incorporated herein by this reference.
Exhibit 10.25 Agreement, dated October 30, 1998, between Distributor
Services, L.L.C. and the Registrant, filed as an Exhibit to
the Report on Form 8-K filed on November 13, 1998, which
Exhibit is incorporated herein by this reference.
Exhibit 10.26 Earnout Agreement, dated November 17, 1999, between Pailla M.
Reddy and Nutrition For Life International, Inc., filed as an
Exhibit to the Report on Form 8-K, filed on December 2, 1999,
which Exhibit is incorporated herein by this reference.
Exhibit 10.26(a) Letter of agreement dated January 10, 2000, to Earnout
Agreement between Pailla M. Reddy and Nutrition For Life
International, Inc.**
Exhibit 10.27 Earnout Agreement, dated November 30, 1999, among Nutrition
For Life International, Inc. and the former shareholders of
Ash Corp. filed as an Exhibit to the Report on Form 8-K, filed
on December 15, 1999, which Exhibit is incorporated herein by
this reference.
Exhibit 10.32 Employment Agreement, dated November 17, 1999, between
Bactolac Pharmaceutical Inc. and Pailla Reddy.**
Exhibit 10.33 Employment Agreement, dated November 30, 1999, between
Bactolac Pharmaceutical Inc. and Allan I. Sirkin.**
Exhibit 10.34 Employment Agreement, dated November 30, 1999, between
Bactolac Pharmaceutical Inc. and Neil Sirkin. **
Exhibit 10.35 Non-Competition Agreement, dated November 17, 1999, among For
Life International, Inc. and NL Acquisition Company. **
Exhibit 10.36 Non-Competition Agreement, dated November 17, 1999, among
Barry C. Loder, Nutrition For Life International, Inc. and NL
Acquisition Company. **
Exhibit 10.37 Non-Competition Agreement, dated November 17, 1999, among
Pailla M. Reddy, Nutrition For Life International, Inc. and
Bactolac Pharmaceutical Inc. **
Exhibit 10.38 Non-Competition Agreement, dated November 30, 1999, between
Bactolac Pharmaceutical Inc. and Allan I. Sirkin. **
Exhibit 10.39 Non-Competition Agreement, dated November 30, 1999, between
Bactolac Pharmaceutical Inc. and Neil Sirkin. **
Exhibit 10.40 Subordinated Promissory Note, dated November 17, 1999, in the
principal amount of $2,500,000 made by Nutrition For Life
International, Inc., payable to Pailla Reddy. **
Exhibit 10.40(a) Allonge to Subordinated Promissory Note, dated November 17,
2000, to the $2,500,000 note payable to Pailla Reddy.
Exhibit 10.41 Subordinated Promissory Note, dated November 17, 1999, in the
principal amount of $650,000 made by Bactolac Pharmaceutical
Inc., payable to Pailla Reddy. **
Exhibit 10.42 Subordinated Promissory Note, dated December 1, 1999, in the
principal amount of $155,000 payable by Nutrition For Life
International, Inc., to Neil Sirkin. **
Exhibit 10.43 Subordinated Promissory Note, dated December 1, 1999, in the
principal amount of $345,000 payable by Nutrition For Life
International, Inc., to Allan I. Sirkin. **
Exhibit 10.44 Lock-Up Agreement, dated November 30, 1999, between Allan I.
Sirkin and Nutrition For Life International, Inc. **
Exhibit 10.45 Lock-Up Agreement, dated November 30, 1999, between Neil
Sirkin and Nutrition For Life International, Inc. **
Exhibit 10.46 Lock-Up Agreement, dated November 17, 1999, between Gregory
Pusey and Nutrition For Life International, Inc. **
Exhibit 10.47 Lock-Up Agreement, dated November 17, 1999, between Barry C.
Loder and Nutrition For Life International, Inc. **
Exhibit 10.48 Lock-Up Agreement, dated November 17, 1999, between Pailla
Reddy and Nutrition For Life International, Inc. **
Exhibit 10.49 Loan and Security Agreement among General Electric Capital
Corporation, Nutrition For Life International, Inc., Ash
Corp., Bactolac Pharmaceutical Inc. and NL Acquisition
Company. **
Exhibit 10.50 First Amendment to Loan and Agreement among General Electric
Capital Corporation, Nutrition For Life International, Inc.,
Ash Corp., Bactolac Pharmaceutical Inc. and NL Acquisition
Company. **
Exhibit 10.51 Second Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement
involving General Electric Capital Corporation, dated
March 15, 2000.
Exhibit 10.52 Agreement, dated September 20, 2000, among Nutrition
For Life International, Inc., Advanced Nutraceuticals,
Inc., David P. Bertrand, Barry C. Loder, Jeffrey G.
McGonegal, Jana Mitcham and Gregory Pusey.
Exhibit 10.53 Agreement, dated July 7, 2000, between Shilpa-Saketh
Realty, Inc. and Bactolac Pharmaceutical Inc.
Exhibit 10.54 Stock Purchase Agreement, dated December 29, 2000,
among Advanced Nutraceuticals, Inc., Everest
International, LLC and Nutrition For Life
International, Inc.
Exhibit 10.55 Waiver under Loan and Security Agreement involving
General Electric Capital Corporation, dated
January 10, 2001.
Exhibit 21 Subsidiaries of the Company.
Exhibit 23.1 Consent of BDO Seidman, LLP.
Exhibit 23.2 Consent of Grant Thornton LLP.
* These exhibits were previously filed as exhibits to the Company's
Registration Statement on Form SB-2 (File No. 33-92274), and are
incorporated herein by reference.
** These exhibits were previously filed as exhibits to the Company's
Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1999, and
are incorporated herein by reference.
(b) Reports on Form 8-K
None.
(c) Exhibits
(a)(3)above
(d) Financial Statement Schedules
See Item 8 above.
SIGNATURES
In accordance with Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, the Registrant
caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized.
ADVANCED NUTRACEUTICALS, INC.
(Registrant)
Date: January 16, 2001 By: /s/ Gregory Pusey
----------------------------------
Gregory Pusey, President and Chief
Executive Officer
In accordance with the Exchange Act, this report has been signed below by
the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on
the dates indicated.
Date: January 16, 2001 /s/ Gregory Pusey
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Gregory Pusey, Chairman, President,
Chief Executive Officer and Director
Date: January 16, 2001 /s/ David P. Bertrand
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David P. Bertrand, Vice Chairman and Director
Date: January 16, 2001 /s/ Jeff McGonegal
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Jeff McGonegal, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Date: January 16, 2001 /s/ John R. Brown, Jr.
------------------------------------------------------------------
John R. Brown, Jr., Vice President, Assistant Secretary and
Treasurer
Date: January 16, 2001 /s/ Jana B. Mitcham
------------------------------------------------------------------
Jana B. Mitcham, Secretary, and Director
Date: January 16, 2001 /s/ F. Wayne Ballenger
------------------------------------------------------------------
F. Wayne Ballenger, Director
Date: January 16, 2001 /s/ M.F. Florence
------------------------------------------------------------------
M. F. Florence, Director
Date: January 16, 2001 /s/ Neil Sirkin
------------------------------------------------------------------
Neil Sirkin, Director
Date: January 16, 2001 /s/ Pailla Reddy
------------------------------------------------------------------
Pailla Reddy, Director